The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Wednesday that it arrested 12 wanted persons and seized illegal drugs and smuggled cigarettes worth nearly Php 20 million during a 24-hour nationwide intensified operation.
PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the results reflected the force’s sustained crackdown on fugitives, illegal drugs, and smuggling under its focused agenda on public safety and crime prevention.
Police units arrested 11 individuals listed as most wanted in various regions for charges including rape, murder, syndicated estafa, and drug-related offenses, with several cases carrying no recommended bail.
Among those arrested were a 19-year-old in Quirino province wanted for rape, a 64-year-old in Davao del Norte facing two counts of murder, and a 49-year-old woman in Davao City accused of syndicated estafa who was already under jail custody.
Authorities also arrested a Russian national in Cagayan who was wanted for multiple counts of violating the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act and was listed as a top most wanted person.
Anti-illegal drug operations led to the seizure of narcotics worth Php 5.56 million, including marijuana plants uprooted in Benguet and suspected shabu recovered in Makati City and Cagayan de Oro City, resulting in the arrest of four suspects.
Separate anti-smuggling operations yielded Php 14.81 million worth of illicit cigarettes in Cavite, Zamboanga City, Laguna, and Lanao del Norte, with six individuals arrested and vehicles used in transport seized.