By Connie Calipay
LEGAZPI CITY – The Police Regional Office 5 (PRO 5) reported on Monday the arrest of 239 individuals in a series of anti-criminality operations across the Bicol Region from Oct. 25 to 31.
The arrests included 99 individuals apprehended during 82 search warrant operations, targeting illegal drugs and loose firearms, and 90 wanted persons.
Of the 90 wanted persons arrested, 50 were apprehended during a regionwide Warrant Day Operation on Oct. 30, while the remaining 40 were arrested through regular police operations.
In the campaign against illegal gambling, PRO-5 arrested 15 individuals and confiscated bet money amounting to PHP25,220.
Police also arrested 10 individuals in three anti-illegal mining operations, seizing evidence valued at PHP10,190.
Another individual was arrested in an anti-illegal logging operation, which resulted in the confiscation of items worth PHP4,800.
Meanwhile, five operations against illegal fishing led to the arrest of 21 individuals and the confiscation of evidence valued at PHP928,900.
Two operations against cigarette smuggling also resulted in the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of cigarettes worth PHP39,530.
PRO-5 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Randy Glenn Silvio said the arrests reflected the police force’s continuing efforts to maintain peace and order across the region.
“This accomplishment demonstrates our commitment to the PNP Focused Agenda and our determination to intensify intelligence-driven and community-oriented police operations,” he said.
Silvio said PRO-5 would not become complacent and would sustain its anti-criminality campaign by further strengthening police operations and ensuring that law violators are held accountable.
“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 conducted under the Philippine National Police’s Focused Agenda, in line with its commitment to deliver responsive police service and strengthen community partnerships.
PRO-5 also urged the public to report suspicious activities and cooperate with authorities in maintaining peace and security in their communities.
