Misamis Occidental Governor Henry Oaminal addresses public officials and the Philippine National Police
Governor Henry S. Oaminal has ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to intensify its campaign against loose firearms following recent incidents involving gun-related threats and killings in the province, stressing the need to prevent a resurgence of organized crime.
The governor issued the directive during the 3rd Quarter CY 2026 Joint Meeting of the Provincial Development Council (PDC), Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), Misamis Occidental Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MOPADAC), and Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) held on September 30 at the Asenso Misamis Occidental Sports and Cultural Center (AMOSACC).
Gov. Oaminal cited recent incidents in Calamba, Bonifacio, and Lopez Jaena, emphasizing the need for stronger measures to address loose firearms and prevent the return of organized crime groups and illegal drug activities.
“Let us intensify the campaign against loose firearms kay kini mao ni atong problema sauna. Kung dili nato ni sugpuon ug dili nato ma-address, mobalik tong sitwasyon nga ang organized crime groups, and then mahimo na pud drugs and goons diri,” Oaminal stressed.
(Let us intensify the campaign against loose firearms, as these were among the problems we faced in the past. If we fail to curb and address this issue, we risk returning to a situation where organized crime groups regain their foothold, potentially bringing back the proliferation of illegal drugs and armed goons in the province.)
He warned that failure to address loose firearms could bring back the situation in the past, when organized crime groups, drugs, and goons operated in the province and even extended their activities to other provinces.
The governor also assured law enforcement agencies that the provincial government has enough funds to support peace and order activities aimed at preventing illegal activities.
He further called on the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and MOPADAC to intensify their campaign against illegal drugs as part of the province’s continuing efforts to maintain peace and security.
Gov. Oaminal underscored the importance of sustained law enforcement, enough funds, and close coordination among concerned agencies to protect communities and preserve the province’s gains in peace and order.
