N. Ecija police ops: drug arrest, 6 firearms surrendered, fake cigarettes seized

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija — A buy-bust arrest, the surrender of six unrenewed and loose firearms, and the recovery of counterfeit cigarettes marked a single day of intensified peace and security operations across Nueva Ecija on October 4.

According to the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office [NEPPO], authorities have arrested a 41-year-old construction worker during a sting in Barangay Ligaya, Llanera, seizing 1 gram of shabu and 4 grams of dried marijuana with a combined value of ₱8,000. Charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165) are now being prepared.

Through the Revitalized Katok program, four owners also voluntarily turned in unrenewed firearms — two .45-caliber pistols and two 9mm units — to stations in Peñaranda, San Isidro, Gapan City, and Cabiao. The weapons remain in custody pending proper registration or disposal.

Moreover, parallel Oplan Galugad patrols yielded two more firearms: a .45 pistol surrendered in Nampicuan’s Barangay Estacion, and a 12-gauge shotgun in Sta. Rosa’s Barangay Tagpos. In San Antonio, teams recovered five reams of counterfeit “Journey” cigarettes valued at ₱6,000.

NEPPO Director PCOL Ritchie R. Claravall emphasized that the results reflect growing community trust and partnership.

“These surrenders and recoveries show that public cooperation is our strongest asset. We will sustain these efforts — through consistent enforcement and active community participation — to build a safer Nueva Ecija for all,” Claravall said.