ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN. Police officers account for drug evidence from a sting operation in this undated photo. The Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 on Tuesday (Oct. 15, 2024) said it has arrested 166 suspects and seized PHP3 million worth of illegal drugs during a series of anti-drug operations from Oct. 6 to 13. (Photo courtesy of PRO 3)
MANILA – The Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 (Central Luzon) confiscated PHP3 million worth of illegal drugs and arrested 166 suspects during a series of anti-drug operations over the past week.
In a statement on Tuesday, PRO 3 chief Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said these were the results of the 122 coordinated law enforcement activities across the region from Oct. 6 to 13.
Seized during these operations were 284.9 grams of shabu and 9.8 kg. of marijuana with an estimated street value of PHP3.11 million, significantly impacting the supply of illegal drugs within the area.
“These arrests and drug seizures underscore our steadfast commitment to eliminating illegal drugs from our communities. We are determined to intensify our efforts to keep Central Luzon safe and drug-free. This achievement reflects the dedication and perseverance of our police force, along with the invaluable support of the community in our ongoing fight against drug-related crimes,” Maranan said.
Meanwhile, the PRO 3 chief also announced that several former members of rebel groups in Central Luzon have surrendered.
On Oct. 12, a former squad leader and member of the Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) under the Rehiyong Yunit Guerilla Gawaing Militar-South Party Committee (SPC) identified as “Ka Ian”, operating in the provinces of Zambales and Bataan, voluntarily surrendered to authorities in Bataan.
Maranan said “Ka Ian” also turned over one unserviceable Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR), a 40 mm high explosive, and explosive materials consisting of a time fuse and detonating cord.
On Oct. 9, alias “Ka Val,” a former member of the Aurora Party Committee under the Domingo Erlano Command, operating in central Aurora, surrendered and handed over an improvised firearm to the military in Barangay Diarabasin in Dipaculao town.
On Oct. 5, alias “Ka Rod,” a member of the Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) under Alyansang Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luzon-Nueva Ecija (AMGL-NE), renounced his support for the group in Gapan City, Nueva Ecija.
On Oct. 4, "Ka Tonet", a former member of Bagong Hukbong Bayan, surrendered to authorities in Barangay Divisoria, Mexico, Pampanga, and turned over a caliber .38 revolver, a 40 mm high explosive, and two detonating cords.
“We remain dedicated to fostering peace and stability in Central Luzon through the Balik Loob Program, encouraging former rebels to embrace peace and reintegration,” Maranan said. (PNA)
