PRO-7 yields 6,900 arrests in 2025

CEBU, Philippines — In the pursuit of boosting public safety in Central Visayas, the Public Regional Office (PRO-7) concluded the year 2025 with a significant feat, as the number of arrests from various campaigns capped off at 6,900 individuals placed behind bars.

The arrests stemmed from multiple operations focused on the campaign against wanted persons and large-scale confiscations of loose firearms.

Based on reports from January 1 to December 31, 2025, over 5,600 wanted persons were arrested in the region.

Of the total number, 1,032 were classified as most wanted persons (MWPs). These included 273 regional MWPs, 381 provincial MWPs, 80 city MWPs, 284 municipal MWPs, and 14 station-level MWPs.

Additionally, the other 4,620 arrested individuals were tagged as “ordinary” wanted persons.

PRO-7 noted that the number of arrested suspects reflected the results of 5,687 successful manhunt operations carried out by various police units under PRO-7, including the Cebu City Police Office, Mandaue City Police Office, Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, Cebu Police Provincial Office, and Bohol Police Provincial Office. They added that this marked a major accomplishment in the region's strengthened manhunt operations.

Meanwhile, in the fight against illegal firearms, explosives, and ammunition, more than 1,300 individuals were nabbed for their alleged involvement in various illegal activities.

In the entire year of 2025, a total of 3,241 unlicensed firearms were confiscated by PRO-7.

Among those seized were 774 firearms that were voluntarily surrendered by citizens through Oplan Katok, a program in which police visit homes to encourage the lawful surrender of unregistered firearms without penalty.

Furthermore, authorities also recovered at least 93 explosives and 5,900 rounds of ammunition.

Through these seizures, PRO-7 stated that potential instruments of crime have been effectively removed from the possession of the community, thus disrupting their possible use in violent activities.

In a statement, Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, regional director of PRO-7, asserted that these achievements were made possible with the aim of strengthening counter-actions against criminal gangs, focusing on denying criminal groups access to weapons, explosives, and other tools that can enable organized violence.

"Our nonstop operations in confiscating illegal firearms and explosives are aimed at removing the precursors of crime in our communities. Each weapon or explosive taken off the streets contributes to a safer and more secure Central Visayas,” said Maranan.

“Each arrest represents our dedication to enforcing the law, protecting communities, and ensuring that those who break it face justice,” he added.

As the regional police force moves forward into the New Year 2026, PRO-7 vowed to continue its pursuit against wanted persons and to promote lawful firearm ownership and civic responsibility as part of its sustained efforts to uphold peace and safety throughout Central Visayas. — /IHM (FREEMAN)