• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A total of 1,130 Negrense drug personalities were arrested in 914 police operations conducted from Jan. 1 to Nov. 25 this year, according to records of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO).
Those arrested were also charged in court for violations of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002.
The apprehensions yielded 5.8 kilograms of suspected shabu and 1.5 kilograms of dried marijuana leaves, with a market value of more than P39 million.
Some 146 police operations also led to the arrest of 205 individuals for illegal possession of firearms as well as the recovery of 226 firearms and the surrender of 848 guns.
In the campaign against illegal gambling, a total of 2,401 suspects were arrested while P617,085 in alleged cash bets were recovered from their possessions.
The campaign against illegal fishing resulted in the arrest of 686 fishermen and the confiscation of about P431,000 of assorted fish, and more than P11 million worth of fishing paraphernalia.
Of the 2,307 arrested fugitives, 212 have been categorized as most wanted persons.
In a statement, PCol. Rainerio De Chavez, police provincial director of Negros Occidental, attributed the increase in number of operational accomplishments of NOCPPO to the unyielding commitment of all its personnel.
De Chavez said that he recognizes the contribution of outstanding personnel by honoring and conferring them with appropriate recognitions during the traditional flag-raising ceremony at Camp Alfredo Montelibano Sr. in Bacolod City. | GB
