Ang Pahayagan

PAMPANGA — Police authorities in Central Luzon sustained their momentum against crime in August, with intensified operations leading to the seizure of ₱836.4 million worth of illegal drugs, the arrest of hundreds of wanted persons, and the recovery of unlicensed firearms.

Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) director Police Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr. reported that the series of operations, conducted from August 1 to 31, were part of the Philippine National Police’s Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), aligned with the 7-Point Agenda of Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.

In the anti-drug campaign, PRO3 conducted 659 operations that resulted in the arrest of 1,006 suspects, including 34 high-value targets. Authorities confiscated 122,631.645 grams of shabu and 11,370.711 grams of marijuana, along with other illegal substances, with a total estimated street value of Php836,406,721.22.

Manhunt operations also gained traction, leading to the arrest of 745 wanted persons. Among those captured were 13 regional most wanted personalities, 43 provincial top targets, and 59 municipal top offenders.

Meanwhile, the region’s intensified drive against loose firearms led to the recovery of 258 guns. Of these, 144 were confiscated during operations, 96 were voluntarily surrendered, and 18 were deposited for safekeeping, reducing the potential for gun-related violence in the communities.

“We continue to be relentless in our mission to rid our communities of illegal drugs and criminals. These results are products of intelligence-driven operations and sustained coordination with partner agencies like the PDEA,” Peñones said.

He added that the region’s success underscores its alignment with the directives of the Acting PNP Chief. “The PNP-PRO3 is fully committed to making our streets safer and ensuring our people feel more secure. We will sustain our anti-crime initiatives with greater zeal and vigor, consistent with the 7-Point Agenda of Lt. Gen. Nartatez Jr.,” he stressed.

With its string of accomplishments, PRO3 reaffirmed its pledge to uphold peace and order, protect the people of Central Luzon, and remain steadfast in its duty to maintain professionalism and security in the region. (Jason de Asis)