1,323 arrested in Eastern Visayas in September

PALO, Leyte — Police arrested 1,323 people in various operations across Eastern Visayas in September, the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) reported.

PRO-8 regional director Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardińo said the operations targeted illegal drugs, wanted persons, loose firearms, illegal gambling and environmental crimes.

Police conducted 120 anti-drug operations that resulted in the arrest of 143 suspects and the seizure of 367.12 grams of illegal drugs valued at about ₱2.47 million.

In anti-insurgency operations, 28 members of communist rebel groups surrendered while another was arrested. Authorities also reported the seizure, surrender or recovery of 15 firearms and three explosives.

Seven operations against cigarette smuggling resulted in the confiscation or surrender of 65 packs or reams of cigarettes valued at ₱38,680.

Police also conducted 260 anti-illegal fishing operations, apprehending 419 people and confiscating fishing equipment valued at about ₱14.74 million and fish worth ₱192,890.

Another 137 anti-illegal logging operations led to the arrest of 52 people. Police seized equipment worth ₱969,367.19 and 22,576.83 board feet of allegedly illegally sourced timber.

PRO-8 also conducted 352 operations against illegal possession of firearms and explosives, resulting in 34 arrests and the surrender or confiscation of 371 firearms and explosives.

In 82 anti-illegal gambling operations, police arrested 202 people and seized ₱23,957 in alleged bet money.

Meanwhile, police arrested 472 wanted persons in separate manhunt operations, including 60 classified as most wanted and 412 other wanted persons.