The Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7) operatives seized illegal drugs worth P1.5 billion, from 7,557 anti-illegal drug operations conducted in 2024 that also led to the arrest of 8,772 offenders.
P/Brig. General Roy Parena, PRO7 officer-in-command, said in a statement Jan. 2 that the 231,025.63 grams of shabu, valued at P1,570,974,284, were seized from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 last year, along with marijuana plants worth P7,150,442.40, and 1,055 ampules of nubain, a synthetic opioid analgesic, with a market value of P121,325.
In the fight against illegal gambling, the PRO7 arrested 12,624 individuals through 7,592 targeted operations, and seized P1,361,385.75 in cash.
They also arrested 1,013 individuals in the fight against loose firearms, and recovered 4,127 guns, 148 explosives, and various types of ammunition through 3,942 targeted operations.
“Our commitment to locating wanted persons resulted in 7,259 operations, leading to the apprehension of 905 individuals on the most wanted list, as well as 6,354 others with court-issued warrants,” Parena said.
He also said there was a notable reduction in index crimes, from 4,013 in 2023 to 3,662 cases in 2024, or an 8.75 percent decline.
“The deployment of PRO7 personnel to places of convergence, the establishment of checkpoints, increased police visibility in crowded areas, and relentless anti-criminal operations contributed significantly to the notable reduction in focus crimes,” Parena said.
PRO7 also logged a 99.24 percent clearance efficiency and an 89.07 percent solution efficiency under the peace and order indicator, and attributed this to the aggressive efforts and the diligence of investigators in ensuring that appropriate cases are properly referred to or filed in courts of jurisdiction.
“As we continue to fulfill our mandated tasks of preventing crime, maintaining peace and order, and ensuring public safety, PRO7 has made meaningful progress in Central Visayas through our effective anti-crime strategies,” Parena said.
He commended each police officer for his or her unwavering commitment and integrity in serving the Central Visayas community, adding these achievements reflect on PRO7’s efforts and unwavering dedication to serving the people and fostering a peaceful, thriving region. ||
