Weeklong ops net 107 firearms, 11 explosives in Caraga

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 15, 2023): Weeklong ops net 107 firearms, 11 explosives in Caraga (By Alexander Lopez)

(Graphics photo courtesy of PRO-13)

BUTUAN CITY – A total of 107 firearms and 11 explosives were confiscated by field units of the Police Regional Office in the Caraga Region (PRO-13) during the conduct of Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations (SACLEO) from Sept. 6 to 12, an official said Friday.

“This is part of our effort to ensure the security and orderliness of the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) in our region,” said Maj. Jennifer Ometer, PRO-13 information office chief, in a phone interview.

Of the recovered firearms, Ometer said 43 were from Agusan del Sur, followed by Surigao del Sur with 23, Agusan del Norte (16), Surigao del Norte (15), Butuan City (6) and Dinagat Islands (4).

Ometer said 70 of the firearms were turned in under the Oplan Bakal operations, 32 in Oplan Katok, three were recovered during police operations and two during the service of search warrants.

Meanwhile, of the 11 explosives seized, five were from Surigao del Sur and two each from Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, and Butuan City.

These included two hand grenades, three improvised explosive device materials, one M203 ammunition, and five rifle grenades.

“Five individuals were also arrested during the SACLEO, three of whom were from Agusan del Sur, one in Surigao del Sur and one from Agusan del Norte,” Ometer said.

The campaign period for the Oct. 30 BSKE will be on Oct. 19 to 28.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1209944