LEGAZPI CITY: The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) reported on Monday that it arrested 637 illegal drug suspects from January to May in various operations in the six provinces of the region.
Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, PRO-5 spokesperson, said the arrests are 146.44 percent higher compared to 435 during the same period last year.
“The police efforts led to the arrest of 637 drug violators out of 602 operations launched, resulting in the filing of 1,039 cases in court,” Calubaquib said.
In 2023, a total of 677 cases were filed.
The PRO-5 report added that PHP88 million worth of illegal drugs were seized, consisting of 17,604.93 grams of marijuana, 11,327.936 grams of shabu and 41.07 grams of cocaine.
On the other hand, 518 operations on loose firearms led to the arrest of 122 individuals, death of one suspect and the confiscation of 366 assorted firearms.
Meanwhile, 365 illegal gambling operations resulted in the confiscation of PHP624,268.25 in bet money, arrest of 988 suspects and 353 cases filed
in court.
To ensure environmental protection, PRO-5 likewise arrested 337 for illegal fishing, resulting in the seizure of fish and fishing gear worth PHP9.4 million, with 34 cases filed in court.
A total of 136 individuals were arrested for illegal logging, PHP1.1 million worth of lumber and glitches were seized, and 32 cases were filed in court.
Various operations likewise led to the busting of 12 gangs, killing of two gang members and the surrender of 19 others.
A total of 2,202 wanted persons were arrested, including two at the national level, 103 at the regional level, 50 at the provincial level, 46 at the city level, 317 at the municipal level and 1,684 other wanted persons.
Source: Philippines News Agency