PRO2 arrests 147, seizes P812-K timber

CAGAYAN VALLEY — Police arrested 147 individuals and seized more than 12,000 board feet of illegally sourced timber worth P812,825 in a weeklong crackdown on various forms of criminality across the region, the Police Regional Office 2 (PRO2) said.

From 13 to 19 August police conducted operations targeting illegal logging, wanted persons, drugs, illegal gambling and loose firearms.

The biggest haul came from eight operations against violations of Presidential Decree 705, or the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines, which resulted in the arrest of six people and the confiscation of 12,131 board feet of timber valued at P812,825.

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

In separate anti-drug operations, police conducted 19 operations that led to the arrest of 24 suspects and the seizure of 26.17 grams of suspected shabu worth P178,406 and 12 grams of marijuana valued at P1,440. The drugs had a combined standard drug price of P179,846.

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

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

PRO2 also reported the surrender and recovery of 25 firearms and four explosives, with the assistance of community members 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 Cagayan Valley.

He credited police personnel, partner agencies and community members for the accomplishments and reiterated the regional police office’s commitment to law enforcement and maintaining peace and security in the region.