The Philippine National Police continued to make significant gains in tracking down and arresting more than 78,000 individuals wanted by the law for various criminal cases over the past 12 months.

PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr., said that based on the consolidated assessment report released by the PNP Directorate for Operations as of 7 December, the PNP has effected the arrest of 78,293 individuals wanted for various crimes.

During the period, 2,940 members of organized crime groups were rounded-up, 381 were neutralized, 162 criminal group members surrendered, and 369 firearms were confiscated.

Since the start of the year, 2,440 members of the communist terrorist groups surrendered to authorities with renewed hope to become productive members of mainstream society. A total of 1,133 firearms were confiscated/ surrendered during these operations.

According to Azurin, the recent accomplishment against communist terrorist groups and its support systems are clear manifestations of the strong partnership of PNP, other government agencies, local government units and stakeholders who willingly extended full support to the implementation of Executive Order 70 to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

The dismantling of 17 guerilla fronts was also noted, while remaining active groups are already weakened after their leaders were either captured or slain in internal security operations.

"These landmark operational accomplishments by PNP units nationwide showcase the sincere dedication, compassion and diligence of our PNP personnel in furtherance of the PNP's peace and security framework, the M+K+K=K Program supplemented by KASIMBAYANAN Program to win against all forms of criminality," he added.

Meanwhile, in PNPs campaign against loose firearms, 32,441 firearms were confiscated, 9,724 individuals were arrested and 4,930 cases were filed in court.

In other non-index crime cases, PNP Units arrested a total of 3,135 persons in the campaign against illegal logging, 29,572 individuals were apprehended in campaign against illegal fishing, while 103,159 were arrested for illegal gambling.

"I commend our hardworking PNP personnel who made each police operation successful. Indeed, this triumph only implies that PNP is performing what we promised to the President and the Filipino people. In my term as 28th Chief PNP, I will intensify more our police presence in the community to reduce crime, corruption, illegal drugs, insurgency, and terrorism as well as most wanted persons who are fugitives from justice and who continue to pose threats to peace and order in our country," Azurin said.