PRO2 arrests 147, seizes P812K worth of illegal timber in one week

Police in Cagayan Valley arrested 147 individuals and seized more than 12,000 board feet of illegally sourced timber worth an estimated P812,825 in separate operations conducted from Aug. 13 to 19, 2026, the Police Regional Office 2 (PRO2) reported.

The largest portion of the operations involved violations of Presidential Decree 705, or the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines. Eight operations led to the arrest of six individuals and the confiscation of 12,131 board feet of timber valued at P812,825.

Police also arrested 92 wanted persons during the period, including eight individuals classified as most wanted and 84 others with outstanding warrants.

In anti-drug operations, police conducted 19 separate operations that resulted in the arrest of 24 suspects. Authorities seized 26.17 grams of suspected shabu valued at P178,406 and 12 grams of marijuana valued at P1,440, for a combined standard drug price of P179,846.

Meanwhile, 16 individuals were arrested in two operations against illegal gambling.

Four other operations for violations of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, resulted in the arrest of four individuals and the confiscation of four firearms.

PRO2 also reported the surrender and recovery of 25 firearms and four explosives through the assistance of concerned citizens and other stakeholders as part of its campaign against loose firearms and explosives.

PBGen Mariano C. Rodriguez, PRO2 regional director, said police operations against various forms of criminality would continue across the region.

Rodriguez attributed the accomplishments to police personnel, partner agencies and community cooperation, while reiterating the regional police office’s commitment to enforcing the law and maintaining peace and security in Cagayan Valley.