Nationwide police operations over a 24-hour period resulted in the arrest of 20 suspects and the seizure of illegal drugs and smuggled goods worth Php 64.7 million, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday.
The operations, conducted from 8 a.m. on Feb. 10 to 8 a.m. on Feb. 11, led to the arrest of 12 individuals listed as most wanted and several suspects linked to drug trafficking and smuggling.
PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the results reflected the police force’s intensified campaign under its Focused Agenda, which targeted fugitives, illegal drugs, and organized crime. “Hindi tayo titigil. Ipinapakita nito na handa at determinado ang PNP na protektahan ang bawat Pilipino—mula sa mga fugitives hanggang sa mga drug at smuggling syndicates,” he said.
Police said most of the wanted persons apprehended were facing serious charges, including rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking, many of which carried no recommended bail.
Anti-illegal drug operations resulted in the confiscation of marijuana and shabu valued at more than Php 14.3 million and the arrest of seven suspects classified as high-value individuals.
Authorities said a significant portion of the drug haul came from marijuana plantation eradication efforts in Benguet and Kalinga, while buy-bust operations in Iloilo and Cebu yielded hundreds of grams of shabu and several firearms.
Police also intercepted smuggled cigarettes worth over Php 50 million in separate operations in Tarlac City and Zamboanga Sibugay, recovering trucks loaded with contraband and arresting suspects.
Nartatez said the accomplishments underscored the PNP’s sustained law enforcement momentum and reaffirmed its commitment to pursue criminals, dismantle drug networks, and curb smuggling across the country.