68 arrested within 24 Hours

CEBU, Philippines — In a 24-hour simultaneous anti-criminality operation, at least 68 individuals were arrested across Central Visayas, which led to the seizure of P1.78 million worth of suspected shabu.

Amid efforts for rehabilitation following the effects of Typhoon Tino, the Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 carried out these operations from November 12 to 13, aiming to demonstrate a law enforcement approach that knows no pause.

According to their police report, a total of 267.07 grams of shabu were seized from 40 drug suspects arrested in 32 separate buy-bust operations throughout Central Visayas.

The largest haul was recorded by the Cebu City Police Office, with P1,225,768 worth of suspected illegal drugs, weighing 180.28 grams.

This was followed by the Cebu Police Provincial Office, which seized 59.44 grams of suspected illegal drugs worth P404,192, and the Bohol Police Provincial Office, which confiscated 20.95 grams of suspected illegal drugs valued at P142,460.

Apart from the seized illegal drugs, PRO-7 has also intensified its drive against those engaged in illegal gambling activities, with at least eight suspects arrested.

Another five individuals were also apprehended by authorities for illegal possession of six loose firearms, which were subsequently confiscated.

Through their relentless manhunt operations in just one day, operatives also apprehended at least 15 fugitives, five of whom were listed as the region's most wanted persons.

In a statement, PRO-7 emphasized that their law enforcement operations proceeded without pause despite the ongoing post-typhoon relief and rehabilitation efforts.

PRO-7 Regional Director Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan said that the regional police force remains committed to upholding the safety and security of the community against criminality.

“Our police officers continue to prove that public service knows no pause. Even as we assist our kababayans in rebuilding from the recent typhoon, we remain steadfast in our duty to fight criminality and maintain peace and order across the region,” said Maranan.

FIREARMS

Meanwhile, a 35-year-old man was arrested for the alleged illegal sale of firearms during a buy-bust operation conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-7 in Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City, yesterday morning, November 14.

The suspect was identified as Nico Estrada Gatchalian, alias "Jopax," a resident of the area.

During the operation, authorities seized one .45 caliber pistol, one steel magazine for a .45 caliber pistol, a ?500 bill, and eight ?1,000 boodle bills used as buy-bust money, among other items.

The arrest was carried out by the CIDG Mandaue City Field Unit, in coordination with personnel from the Regional Intelligence Unit 7, the Metro Cebu City Intelligence Team, and the Cebu City Police Office Station 11.

Police said the suspect will face charges for violations of Section 32 of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act of 2013. (CEBU NEWS)