SURRENDER. A man hands over to a law enforcer a firearm during synchronized police operations on Saturday (July 9, 2022) in Negros Oriental. The simultaneous anti-criminality operations resulted in the arrest of 131 persons for various law violations. (Photo courtesy of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office)
DUMAGUETE CITY – Police operatives in Negros Oriental have arrested a total of 131 people for various offenses during simultaneous operations in the different towns and cities of the province over the weekend.
Col. Germano Mallari, provincial police director, said on Monday the Synchronized Enhanced Managing of Police Operations (SEMPO) focus on intensified anti-illegal drug operations but address other crimes as well.
“We conduct the 24-hour synchronized police operations twice a month as directed by the PNP (Philippine National Police) regional office to enhance our efforts against criminality without compromising our daily tasks and functions,” he said in mixed English and Cebuano.
Also known as One Time, Big Time operations, Mallari said all police stations are required to go after the lawless elements while also implementing the PNP’s anti-criminality campaigns, such as the service of warrants of arrest, he added.
A report from the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office showed that on July 9, 10 anti-illegal drug operations were launched, which resulted in the arrests of nine persons, and the seizure of 25.99 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP176,732.
The report also said 16 operations against illegal gambling were launched with 37 persons arrested; 50 wanted and two most wanted persons were arrested in various operations; 38 loose firearms were recovered/confiscated; nine other firearms were surrendered, and 33 other persons were nabbed for violations of local ordinances.
This was the first SEMPO for July. (PNA)
