ILLEGAL DRUGS. Photo shows the illegal drugs confiscated from a known member of a notorious Sputnik Gang in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Ninoy Aquino, Angeles City, Pampanga on Sunday (Oct. 1, 2023). More than PHP2.6 million worth of illegal drugs were seized in Central Luzon in weeklong operations from Sept. 25 to Oct. 1, 2023. (Photo courtesy of the PRO-3)
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – A total of 349 persons facing various offenses were arrested during the intensified weeklong anti-illegal drugs and anti-criminality operations in Central Luzon from Sept. 25 to Oct. 1.
In his report on Monday, Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr., director of the Police Regional Office-Central Luzon (PRO3), said that most of the arrested individuals had outstanding warrants of arrest and some were reportedly involved in the trade of illegal drugs in the region.
Hidalgo said a total of 161 fugitives were nabbed, 22 are most wanted persons and 139 others committed various crimes ranging from murder, frustrated murder and rape.
"These arrests exemplify the unwavering commitment of our law enforcement agencies to bring individuals facing legal charges to justice. We are dedicated to promoting peace, security, and justice in our communities through effective law enforcement efforts and close collaboration with partner organizations. Our pledge is to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety and well-being of all residents in our region,” he said in a statement.
In the fight against illegal drugs, he said that 130 suspects were apprehended which led to the seizure of over PHP2.6 million.
Of the arrested drug suspects, he said one is a known member of the notorious Sputnik Gang nabbed in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Ninoy Aquino in Angeles City Sunday that resulted in the confiscation of some PHP750,000.
Hidalgo said that at least 14 were apprehended while nine firearms were confiscated during the weeklong operations following the implementation of the gun ban related to the Oct. 30 Barangay and Sanggunian Kabataan elections (BSKE).
“I appeal to the public to cooperate with us during our conduct of checkpoint operations and, at the same time, I urged them to immediately report any possible irregularities committed by our police personnel,” he added.
Meanwhile, a total of 44 persons were arrested for illegal gambling operations that led to the confiscation of PHP28,312 in bets. (PNA)
