Police operations conducted across the country resulted in the arrest of six high profile suspects and the seizure of illegal drugs and smuggled goods valued at around Php 36 million, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.
Authorities carried out the operations between 8 a.m. on March 8 and 8 a.m. on March 9. Four individuals listed among the most wanted persons were apprehended in separate operations in Eastern Samar, Davao City, La Carlota City in Negros Occidental, and Panabo City in Davao del Norte.
Police arrested a 37 year old man in Eastern Samar who was listed as the province’s eighth most wanted person for a statutory rape case. In Davao City, another suspect ranked fourth on the most wanted list was taken into custody for syndicated estafa.
In La Carlota City, officers arrested a 62 year old suspect known as alias Bebeng, who was the city’s top most wanted person and faced six counts of qualified rape involving a minor.
Meanwhile, authorities captured a 49 year old suspect in Panabo City who was listed as the ninth most wanted person and was facing charges of sexual assault.
Separate operations targeting illegal drugs also led to the destruction of marijuana plantations in Ilocos Sur and Benguet. Police said they uprooted about 142,700 fully grown marijuana plants, along with around 15,000 grams of dried stalks with fruiting tops and 1,000 seedlings. The seized crops were estimated to have a street value of about Php 30.5 million.
In Iloilo City, authorities arrested two individuals classified as high value targets and confiscated about 225 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated value of Php 1.53 million.
Police also reported an anti smuggling operation in Zamboanga City that resulted in the confiscation of smuggled cigarettes and a vehicle used to transport them. The seized items were valued at more than Php 4.5 million. PNP chief Police General Jose Nartatez said the police force remains committed to pursuing wanted persons and intensifying efforts against illegal drugs and smuggling to protect public safety.