(Photo courtesy of PRO-5)
LEGAZPI CITY — The Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5) arrested 239 individuals during a weeklong series of anti-criminality operations across the Bicol Region from October 25 to 31, authorities reported Monday, November 2.
According to PRO-5, the operations targeted wanted persons, illegal drugs, loose firearms, illegal gambling, mining, logging, fishing and cigarette smuggling.
Police arrested 99 individuals during 82 search warrant operations targeting illegal drugs and unlicensed firearms.
Another 90 wanted persons were apprehended, including 50 arrested during a regionwide Warrant Day Operation on October 30. The remaining 40 were captured through regular police operations.
In its campaign against illegal gambling, PRO-5 arrested 15 individuals and confiscated bet money amounting to Php 25,220.
Authorities also arrested 10 individuals during three anti-illegal mining operations, seizing evidence valued at Php 10,190.
A separate operation against illegal logging resulted in the arrest of one individual and the confiscation of items worth Php 4,800.
Meanwhile, five operations targeting illegal fishing led to the arrest of 21 individuals and the seizure of evidence valued at Php 928,900.
Police also conducted two operations against cigarette smuggling, resulting in the arrest of three individuals and the confiscation of cigarettes worth Php 39,530.
PRO-5 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Randy Glenn Silvio said the accomplishments demonstrated the regional police force’s continuing efforts to strengthen law enforcement and maintain peace and order.
“This accomplishment demonstrates our commitment to the PNP Focused Agenda and our determination to intensify intelligence-driven and community-oriented police operations,” Silvio said.
He emphasized that the regional police would remain vigilant and continue strengthening its campaign against criminal activities.
Silvio said PRO-5 would sustain intelligence-driven operations, improve coordination among police units and ensure that individuals involved in unlawful activities are held accountable under the law.
“We will continue to intensify our campaign against illegal drugs, loose firearms, wanted persons, and other forms of criminality to ensure the safety and security of every Bicolano,” he added.
The operations were carried out under the Philippine National Police’s Focused Agenda, which seeks to strengthen law enforcement, improve police responsiveness and promote cooperation between authorities and local communities.
PRO-5 also encouraged residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities and coordinate with law enforcement agencies to help prevent crime.
Police officials stressed that public cooperation remains essential in maintaining peace and security throughout the Bicol Region.
