CABANATUAN CITY- More than two weeks before the start of the local campaign period, Nueva Ecija police have already confiscated illegal firearms and ammunition in its One Time Big Time operation on Tuesday.

Thirty eight individuals have been arrested for possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.

Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Chief Police Director Victor Deona said these firearms could be used against politicians especially in towns or cities identified by the police as areas of concern. “Ito po ay ginagawa at gagawin doon sa mga lugar na maaaring magkaroon ng karahasan pagdating po ng halalan,” he said in a press conference.

“Dapat ito eh alam mo it’s loose firearms ano, hindi natin maisantabi na yung mga may hawak nito eh mga supporters sa barangay level ng mga kandidato so definitely ang mga loose firearms na ito may impact pwede kasing magamit ito eh sa eleksyon,” said Chief Superintendent Rudy Lacadin of PNP Region III.

Eighteen firearms belonging to local officials have also been surrendered for safekeeping in police custody.

Nueva Ecija acting Police Director Senior Superintendent Manuel Cornel confirmed that the police have been closely monitoring one private armed group in the province.

“Sa ating record, mayroon tayong isa na private armed group na minomonitor dito sa Nueva Ecija. Hindi natin pwedeng sabihin ang pangalan nila. Ito ay nasa DI list na,” said Cornel.

The regional director refused to divulge information about the PAG which the police is monitoring in the province. He also refused to confirm if a politician is bankrolling the group.

“Subject pa ng operation eh, kung sasabihin namin sa inyo eh wala na… later on ‘pag mahuli natin o pag may operation you will now,” said Lacadin.

Case of illegal possession on firearms and ammunition in relation to the Comelec gun ban will be filed against the arrested suspects.

Authorities, however, encouraged gun owners to surrender their firearms to the nearest police station for safekeeping during the campaign period.