• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A 10-day simultaneous anti-criminality and law enforcement operations in Negros Island Region led to the arrest of 341 wanted suspects engaged in illegal drug trade and illegal gambling, and in possession of unlicensed firearms and explosives.
The operations from Feb. 4 to 10 resulted in 83 drug personalities neutralized by the police and also to the recovery of 625.9 grams of suspected shabu valued at P4.24 million.
“This decisive campaign dealt a significant blow to the illegal drug trade operating within the region,” the Police Regional Office- Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) said in a statement.
A total of 134 fugitives from law were also arrested, of which 37 are categorized as most wanted persons.
The campaign against loose firearms led to the arrest of 20 suspects and the recovery of 20 unlicensed guns and five explosives.
Some 64 other firearms were surrendered to the police.
“These accomplishments demonstrate both intensified enforcement and strengthened collaboration with the community in preventing armed violence,” the PRO-NIR said.
The 39 operations against illegal gambling resulted in the apprehension of 104 individuals and the confiscation of P18,097 in cash bets. | GB
