Manila: The Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) arrested 340 individuals and confiscated PHP6.7 million worth of evidence and 31 unlicensed firearms during a 10-day nationwide operation.
According to Philippines News Agency, CIDG Acting Director Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz stated that 289 coordinated operations conducted from June 19 to 28 resulted in the arrest of fugitives, high-profile suspects, and law violators. Authorities confiscated PHP6.7 million worth of evidence, including illegal liquefied petroleum gas products, unregistered vape products, trademark-infringing and smuggled cigarettes, and bets from illegal gambling activities.
The nationwide 'Oplan Pagtutugis' (Pursuit) operation led to the arrest of 243 fugitives. Among those apprehended were 38 Regional Most Wanted Persons, 21 Provincial Most Wanted Persons, 18 Municipal Most Wanted Persons, and 166 Other Wanted Persons. The arrests were based on warrants for various charges, including attempted murder, frustrated murder, arson, frustrated homicide, carnapping, qualified rape, rape, acts of lasciviousness, illegal possession of firearms, qualified theft, estafa, and robbery.
Brig. Gen. Macapaz commended all CIDG regional and provincial field units and special operating units for their accomplishments. He emphasized the group's commitment to fighting criminality and capturing wanted persons across the country, assuring that the CIDG remains swift and responsive in its police service.
In a related development, PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III issued a warning to the public regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in illegal money-making schemes, particularly investment scams. Gen. Torre highlighted that cybercriminals are using AI to create videos of prominent business figures and government officials to entice the public to invest in fraudulent schemes. He mentioned that the PNP would collaborate with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) through the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) to develop programs addressing this issue. Torre advised the public to be cautious, noting that offers promising substantial returns with little effort should be viewed with skepticism.
