The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday reported that its units arrested wanted individuals and seized illegal drugs during a 24-hour period from 8 a.m. on 29 January to 8 a.m. on 30 January.

According to the PNP, focused police operations across Central Luzon, CALABARZON, and Central Visayas led to the arrest of five most wanted persons facing serious charges ranging from violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act 9165) to rape and offenses involving minors.

In Bataan and Bulacan, teams from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group arrested two regional most wanted persons facing multiple drug-related cases.

The PNP said one suspect was apprehended for maintaining a drug den and other dangerous drug offenses under separate criminal cases, some of which carried no recommended bail. The other individual was arrested for the service of sentence after conviction for drug violations. Both suspects are now under police custody for proper disposition.

In a separate operation in Cavite, two regional most wanted persons were also arrested. One faces rape and sexual assault charges, while the other had been convicted for violations of RA 9165.

Another suspect wanted for violation of Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, was likewise arrested.

“These arrests show our determination to relentlessly pursue fugitives, especially those involved in illegal drugs and crimes against persons,” PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said. “Hindi tumitigil ang PNP hanggang hindi napapanagot ang mga lumalabag sa batas.”

Meanwhile, in a joint PNP–Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operation, authorities uncovered and destroyed large marijuana cultivation sites in Ilocos Sur and Benguet.

The PNP said a total of 210,000 fully grown marijuana plants and dried marijuana materials were uprooted and burned on site, with a combined estimated value exceeding P43.5 million.

Follow-up investigations are underway to identify those behind the plantations. Nartatez said eradication efforts are crucial to prevent illegal drugs from reaching the streets.

“These eradication efforts are crucial. We are denying criminal groups their resources and cutting off supply before these illegal drugs reach the streets,” he emphasized.

In urban anti-drug operations in Panglao, Bohol, and Parañaque City, authorities arrested two high-value individuals allegedly involved in shabu distribution. Police confiscated a total of 682.06 grams of suspected shabu valued at P4.63 million, along with buy-bust money and other evidence. The PNP said the suspects were local residents previously linked to illegal drug networks based on intelligence reports.

Overall, police operations during the 24-hour period resulted in the confiscation and destruction of illegal drugs valued at around P48.16 million. Nartatez said the PNP remains committed to intensifying its operations with a “firm but fair” approach.