Manila, Feb. 2 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) will intensify its nationwide campaign against loose firearms and gunrunners to help keep communities safe.

In a statement on Monday, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said unlicensed firearms remain the primary tools used in criminal activities.

"Denying criminal elements the opportunity to own loose firearms will cripple their capability to operate," he said.

In January, the campaign led to the arrest of 828 individuals and the recovery, surrender, or confiscation of 2,604 firearms.

Nartatez said he has directed the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the Special Action Force (SAF), and other support units to intensify operations against gun-running groups...