PRO-7 arrests 320 in 3-day operations

CEBU, Philippines — The Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 implemented another round of aggressive simultaneous anti-criminality operations from August 19 to 21, 2024, which resulted in the arrest of 320 suspects all over Central Visayas.

PRO-7 Regional Director Brigadier General Anthony Aberin said the three-day operation was intended to make sure that the region, particularly the Province of Cebu, is secure from criminality as it will host the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo tomorrow, August 25, 2024.

Aberin said that although no threat has been monitored, they are not ruling out the possibility that criminals will take advantage of the opportunity.

"These operations are intentionally launched to pave the way for a secure landscape for Pasigarbo sa Subo 2024. We assure everyone that our comprehensive security is already in place and security forces will be deployed strategically across Central Visayas to prevent the occurrence of major crimes," said PBGen Aberin.

Of the said operation, 85 drug peddlers were arrested and 581.21 grams of illegal drugs was seized worth about P4 million.

PRO-7 also asserted that their operation against loose firearms, which resulted in the recovery of 111 unregistered firearms, will help stop the shooting incidents in the region and further secure big events like the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo tomorrow, Aug.25, 2024.

Meanwhile, those arrested are currently in custodial facilities while cases are being prepped against them.

All the pieces of evidence have been submitted to the forensic unit for analysis.