The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has intensified its operations against wanted criminals and illegal firearms, arresting 29 fugitives nationwide and seizing unlicensed guns in Negros Occidental during the first week of January.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday reported that from 1 to 5 January, the CIDG arrested 29 individuals wanted for various crimes, including rape, murder, attempted murder, estafa, illegal recruitment, inciting to sedition, robbery, and violations of RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and RA 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act).

Of the 29 arrested, six are accused of rape, two of murder, and one of attempted murder. Ten are listed as Regional-Level Most Wanted Persons, eight as Provincial-Level Most Wanted, and one as a Municipal/City-Level Most Wanted. The arrests were made across Luzon (9), Visayas (8), and Mindanao (12).

PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. praised the CIDG for its coordinated enforcement efforts. “From the very beginning of the year, our direction was clear—walang puwang ang kriminalidad. We owe it to the victims to make sure justice is served,” he said.

On 5 January, the CIDG Bacolod City Field Unit, in coordination with local police, conducted a buy-bust operation in Barangay Tongo, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, resulting in the arrest of two men, “Ken,” 22, and “John,” 29, both residents of Kabankalan City.

Authorities confiscated eight unlicensed firearms, including one .45 pistol, six .38 revolvers, and one .357 revolver. The suspects were unable to present legal documentation to possess the firearms, and intelligence reports suggest they were involved in gunrunning activities in the Negros Island Region.

“Loose firearms are a serious threat to public safety. This operation shows we are serious about going after those involved in the illegal gun trade,” Nartatez said. 

He added that the PNP remains committed to continuing crackdowns on illegal firearms and holding accountable those who profit from crime and violence.

Nartatez also noted that the latest operations highlight the PNP’s intelligence-driven approach to anti-crime and anti-drug campaigns, reinforcing the nationwide drive to ensure public safety.