Bea Godinez

MULTI-REGION ANTI-ILLEGAL DRUG OPS YIELD ₱11.31M DRUG HAUL; 5 INDIVIDUALS ARRESTED

The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported a series of successful anti-illegal drug operations across several regions, underscoring its continuing commitment to remove illegal drugs from communities and strengthen public safety in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for a more secure and orderly nation.

In Benguet, police and partner units conducted a sustained ma*****na eradication operation in a remote plantation site in Bakun town. Authorities discovered and uprooted an estimated 12,000 fully grown ma*****na plants, with a standard drug price of about ₱2.4 million.

Meanwhile, in Iloilo City, police operatives carried out a buy-bust operation in Mandurriao which led to the recovery of approximately 200 grams of suspected shabu valued at around ₱1.36 million. The operation resulted in the safe arrest of several individuals who are now under police custody for proper legal proceedings.

In Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, another coordinated buy-bust operation resulted in the seizure of around 600 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated value of ₱4.08 million. A single individual was taken into custody following the operation conducted in a commercial area, reflecting the continued reach of illegal drug networks even in public spaces.

In Negros Oriental, law enforcement units also intercepted the distribution of illegal drugs in Valencia town, leading to the recovery of approximately 511 grams of suspected shabu valued at ₱3.47 million. One individual was arrested during the operation and is currently under the custody of local police authorities.

Chief PNP, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., commended the operating units for their sustained efforts, noting that these accomplishments reflect the organization’s firm stance against illegal drugs and its focus on protecting communities.

“Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating operasyon laban sa ilegal na droga. Ang mga tagumpay na ito ay patunay na seryoso ang PNP sa pagpapanatili ng kapayapaan at kaligtasan ng ating mga komunidad. We remain focused, disciplined, at mas pinalakas ang ating ugnayan sa ibang ahensya para mas mapabilis ang paghahatid ng hustisya,” the Chief PNP said.

He added that these achievements align with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which emphasizes more coordinated, intelligence-driven, and responsive policing nationwide.

As the organization continues to strengthen its campaign, the Chief PNP emphasized the guiding principle of a “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman,” reflecting a police service that is more responsive, trustworthy, and felt by the people.

(PNP-PIO)

PNP WCPC’s PERSISTENT EFFORTS YIELD STRONGER CASES AGAINST FUGITIVES WHO HAVE LONG EVADED JUSTICE

The Philippine National Police (PNP) welcomed the recognition of the Department of Justice (DOJ) on the sustained efforts of the PNP Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) in the intensified campaign against long-wanted persons and individuals involved in exploitation-related cases, highlighting strengthened coordination between law enforcement and the justice sector in ensuring that fugitives are brought to account.

In one of the recent cases highlighted by authorities, a court in Manila rendered a decision convicting an individual for qualified trafficking in persons involving a 15-year-old victim. The case stemmed from an operation conducted by PNP WCPC operatives, in coordination with supporting units and with information provided by field sources, which led to the arrest of the accused after surveillance and a carefully planned entrapment operation.

Records show that the operation was triggered after authorities validated information regarding ongoing illegal activities. A poseur-buyer was later deployed, resulting in the subject offering illicit services involving the minor in exchange for money. This led to the immediate arrest of the suspect and the recovery of marked money, which became part of the evidence presented in court.

The court found the accused guilty beyond reasonable doubt, affirming the elements of qualified trafficking in persons, particularly the recruitment and offering of a minor for sexual exploitation in exchange for consideration. The ruling also underscored the weight of consistent prosecution evidence presented during trial.

The PNP noted that this case reflects the broader efforts of WCPC units nationwide in tracking individuals who have long evaded arrest, particularly those involved in offenses against women and children. These operations are supported by continuous intelligence validation, surveillance, and close coordination with partner agencies.

PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., said the organization remains committed to ensuring that those who attempt to evade the law will still be held accountable through sustained and lawful police operations.

“Hindi po kami titigil sa pagtugis sa mga taong matagal nang nagtatago sa batas. We will continue to work hand in hand with our partners in government to make sure that justice is served for the victims and that the public continues to trust in our system,” the Chief PNP said.

The initiative is aligned with the PNP Focused Agenda under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, supporting more strategic and intelligence-driven policing efforts nationwide, in line with the governance direction of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for a safer and more secure Philippines.

The PNP further assured the public that it will sustain its intensified operations against wanted persons while strengthening victim-centered approaches and inter-agency cooperation to ensure successful case resolution and conviction.

The organization remains guided by its continuing commitment under “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.”

(PNP-PIO)