LEGAZPI CITY – The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO5) has seized some PHP65 million worth of illegal drugs and arrested 389 drug personalities from 368 drug operations during the first quarter of 2024, a police official reported Thursday.
Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, PRO5 spokesperson, said the seized illegal drugs include 17,431.30 grams of marijuana, 9,221.82 grams of shabu, and 40 grams of cocaine.
"A total of 519 cases were already filed in different courts in the six provinces in the region from the 389 drug offenders," she said.
PRO5 conducted 344 operations against loose firearms that resulted in the arrest of 66 individuals and confiscation of 394 assorted firearms.
In operations against illegal gambling, the police operatives conducted 279 operations that resulted in the arrest of 758 individuals and the confiscation of PHP459,096 in bet money.
Calubaquib said that in its efforts to address illegal fishing activities, 62 police operations were conducted, 205 individuals were arrested, and PHP4.42 million worth of fishing paraphernalia were seized.
In the fight against anti-illegal logging, 78 violators were apprehended in 69 operations conducted, leading to the seizure of items worth PHP628,108.
Meanwhile, wanted criminals were reported arrested in the regional level - 52; provincial level - 28; city level - 24; and municipal level - 168; along with 933 other wanted persons.
In dismantling criminal gangs, PRO5 conducted 19 operations where 10 individuals were arrested, one died, and 13 voluntarily surrendered.
During the operations against insurgency, 44 individuals were arrested, 53 voluntarily surrendered, and two others died, while 46 firearms and 35 explosives were recovered and confiscated.
Calubaquib said the achievements of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Bicol underscore its solid commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region.
"The PNP Bicol led by PRO5 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Andre P. Dizon achieved significant progress in combating criminal activities and promoting safety among the Bicolanos through collaboration and strategic operations," she said. (PNA)
