Manila, March 6 -- Over 600 loose firearms have been seized in Central Luzon from Jan. 12 to March 3, 2025, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 bared Thursday.

In a news release, PRO-3 said its efforts to prevent violence and enhance public safety leading to the May 12 midterm elections resulted in the recovery of 599 short firearms and four light weapons, for a total 603.

Nueva Ecija province recorded the highest number of surrendered firearms at 230, PRO-3 said.

"Securing the upcoming elections begins with keeping deadly weapons out of the wrong hands," PRO-3 Director Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said.

"The success of this campaign, particularly in Nueva Ecija, demonstrates our unwavering commitment to public safety."

Fajardo called on c...