Police arrest 11 most wanted, seize P28-M drugs
The Philippine National Police reported on Saturday the arrest of 11 most wanted suspects and the seizure of marijuana and other illegal drugs worth nearly P28 million during a half day of nationwide operations from 10 p.m. on Thursday to 9 a.m. on Friday.
PNP acting chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the operations involved coordinated efforts from regional, provincial and local police units with support from the military in certain areas.
“All these arrests and drug operations show our commitment to protect every Filipino community and bring wanted criminals to justice,” Nartatez said in a statement.
He highlighted the PNP’s ongoing reforms and focus on responsive service, especially ahead of the holiday season.
Wave of arrests
In Mindanao, police in Maguindanao del Sur captured a Top 10 regional Most Wanted Person for murder, while authorities in Davao Occidental apprehended a Top 4 suspect for murder. Nueva Vizcaya police arrested a Top 9 target for robbery with homicide, and in Bukidnon, a Top 6 regional target wanted for qualified rape and child abuse was taken into custody.
Cebu and Lapu-Lapu City police also reported arrests, including a Top 9 suspect facing drug-related charges in Lapu-Lapu City and another Top 9 individual in Naga City for acts of lasciviousness.
In the National Capital Region, police units together with Cordillera and other regional offices apprehended a Top 7 Most Wanted Person in Marikina City for multiple counts of frustrated and attempted murder, as well as qualified trafficking in persons.
Other suspects were arrested in Bataan, Quezon and Laguna for cases ranging from rape to qualified trafficking.
Marijuana plantations
Authorities also seized a total of 134,350 fully grown plants and 8,000 seedlings, with an estimated street value of P27.19 million, in large marijuana plantations in Ilocos Sur and its boundary with Benguet.
In Negros Occidental, police arrested a high-value individual during a buy-bust operation in Bacolod City, confiscating 105 grams of shabu worth P714,000.
