The Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group announced on Tuesday that its operatives arrested 316 most wanted persons in intensified anti-criminality operations from 24 April to 21 May 2023.

CIDG chief Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. said a total of 1,028 manhunt operations against wanted persons and of the total, the CIDG arrested one national-level MWP, 122 regional-level MWPs, 105 provincial-level MWPs and 88 city and municipal MWPs.

In the campaign against loose firearms, a total of 183 operations were conducted that resulted in the arrest of 132 and the death of two persons, the seizure of 155 firearms, 18 explosives, 2,484 ammunition and the filing of 107 cases.

On smuggling, manufacturing, distribution and trading of counterfeit products and items, the group conducted 29 operations that resulted in the arrest of 47 persons, the confiscation or seizure of counterfeit items worth P9.7 million and the filing of 20 cases in court.

On the other hand, the CIDG’s campaign against unlawful destruction of natural resources resulted in a total of 28 operations, with 35 persons arrested, the confiscation or recovery of illegally-cut lumber and other items worth P1.2 million and the filing of 19 court cases.

In the campaign against illegal gambling and game fixing, the CIDG conducted 100 operations that resulted in the arrest of 181 people, the confiscation or seizure of cash bets worth P163,572.75 and the filing of 65 court cases.

Operations against illegal selling of petroleum products showed that the CIDG conducted 22 operations resulting in the arrest of 50 individuals, the seizure of P4.3 million worth of petroleum products, and the filing of 22 complaints in courts.

Caramat said the CIDG is continuously recording a big number of accomplishments to contribute to the overall efforts of the PNP and the government’s peace and. security program.

Meanwhile, Caramat also said the detectives of the CIDG Intelligence Division, together with the Philippine Coast Guard, conducted an entrapment operation against three persons for alleged estafa who according to reports were recruiting victims or applicants to be included in the final list for PCG recruitment in exchange for P15,000 each.