Over PHP114 million worth of illegal drugs were confiscated, and 973 suspects were arrested in anti-drug operations conducted by the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) from January to August this year.
PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Nestor Bagagay Jr. reported Monday that the seized items from 892 operations included 80,647.41 grams of marijuana and 15,478.47 grams of shabu. Of the arrested individuals, 101 are classified as high-value targets, while 872 are street-level offenders. A total of 1,678 cases were filed against those involved in the illegal drug trade.
Camarines Norte topped the list with PHP49.9 million worth of confiscated drugs, followed by Camarines Sur with PHP34 million, Albay with PHP14 million, Naga City with PHP11.6 million, Masbate with PHP3.9 million, Catanduanes with PHP907,259.60, and Sorsogon with PHP296,700.80.
Bagagay also said that in operations against loose firearms, police conducted 738 operations, arresting 182 individuals and confiscating, surrendering, or capturing 708 firearms. About 431 firearms were voluntarily turned over for safekeeping.
From January to August, authorities also arrested 61 New People’s Army (NPA) members, neutralized eight, and facilitated the voluntary surrender of 206 others. A total of 161 firearms and 423 explosives were recovered.
Additionally, PRO-5 recorded 2,952 wanted persons charged with various crimes during the same period.