The Police Regional Office-5 (Bicol) regional headquarters in Legazpi City (PNA file photo)
LEGAZPI CITY – The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO5) seized PHP9 million worth of illegal drugs and arrested 144 drug personalities during 138 anti-drug operations in the region in August this year.
In a report on Tuesday, PRO5 spokesperson Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib said the various drug operations resulted in the confiscation of 1.3 kilograms of shabu and 61.34 grams of marijuana.
She said some 241 cases were filed on court against the arrested drug violators.
Calubaquib said aside from anti-drug operations, PRO5 has stepped up its public education initiatives aimed at preventing drug abuse.
Recognizing that the fight against illegal drugs is not won solely through arrests and seizures, the unit has launched intensified community outreach programs.
Calubaquib said the initiatives were designed to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use, provide citizens with knowledge on how to resist peer pressure and empower communities to take an active role in drug prevention.
PRO5 also partnered with local government units (LGUs), schools, and non-government organizations (NGOs) to extend its reach and ensure that the anti-drug message resonates across all sectors of society.
Calubaquib added PRO5 also collaborated with rehabilitation centers and social services to provide a holistic drug prevention and recovery approach.
"As the office continues to adopt and innovate in its approach to combating illegal drugs, it remains steadfast in its mission to ensure a safer, drug-free Bicol Region," she said. (PNA)
