PAG members surrender weapons ahead of election period

Alleged members of a private armed group (PAG) in Nueva Ecija surrendered unlicensed firearms and ammunition to the Police Regional Office-Central Luzon (PRO-3) on Sunday, including their leader who turned over weapons alongside two other members on Friday.

The surrender included an M-17 rifle, five silver caliber .45 pistols, a black Colt .380 pistol, a 12-gauge shotgun, and one black M-16 rifle, along with magazines and rounds of ammunition.

This voluntary act occurred ahead of the start of the 90-day campaign period for national positions on Feb. 11 and local posts on March 28, emphasizing peace and security efforts in Central Luzon.

PRO-3 chief Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo emphasized that this event demonstrates the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to combat loose firearms and maintain peace in Central Luzon.

Fajardo highlighted the collaboration between law enforcement agencies, local government units, and other entities as crucial for facilitating such surrenders and urged remaining individuals with unlicensed firearms to surrender them immediately.