World · Philippines Bureau
Police seize 64 firearms in Western Visayas security sweep
Philippine law enforcement has recovered 64 loose firearms and six explosive devices during an intensive 24-hour crackdown across Western Visayas. The operation, conducted by the Police Regional Office 6, targeted illegal weapons and explosives in the region.
LSN Philippines ·
ILOILO CITY — Police forces across Western Visayas recovered a significant cache of loose firearms and explosives during a coordinated regional operation spanning August 22-23. The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO 6) reported that authorities seized 64 firearms and six explosive devices through 68 separate operations conducted as part of Project RTT (Restrict, Track and Turn-In).
The crackdown, which ran from 6 a.m. on August 22 until 5:59 a.m. on August 23, represents part of ongoing efforts to remove illegal weapons from circulation in the region. Project RTT focuses on restricting access to unregistered firearms, tracking illegal weapons distribution networks, and encouraging voluntary surrender of unlicensed guns.
The operation reflects law enforcement's intensified campaign to address loose firearms that pose public safety risks across the archipelago. Western Visayas, encompassing provinces including Iloilo, Capiz, Antique, and Guimaras, has been subject to regular security operations targeting criminal elements and illegal weapons trafficking.
PRO 6 has not disclosed specific details regarding arrests made during the operation or the exact locations where the firearms and explosives were recovered. The agency emphasized the importance of public cooperation in achieving its weapons reduction objectives.