Police in Negros Oriental have arrested 50 individuals and recovered 952 firearms since the start of the year in separate enhanced operations, an official said yesterday.

Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO), told the Philippine News Agency that this is part of their campaign to rid the province of illegal and undocumented firearms.

“The majority of the arrests and confiscations were done during Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations by the police stations, while others [were done] during anti-illegal drug operations and checkpoints,” Polinar said.

Records at the NOrPPO showed that from January 1 to October 22 this year, a total of 766 operations against loose firearms were conducted, with 61 firearms confiscated, three abandoned, and 735 surrendered.

Under Oplan Katok, 95 operations were carried out, resulting in 124 firearms deposited with the police for safekeeping pending renewal of their permits and licenses.

Furthermore, 23 operations conducted with search warrants resulted in the seizure of 29 firearms.

Polinar said cases have already been filed against the suspects following their arrests. (PNA)