Manila: A three-day anti-crime drive targeting most wanted persons and fugitives across the country resulted in the arrest of 97 individuals, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said Sunday.

According to Philippines News Agency, a news release detailed that Oplan Pagtugis (Pursuit), conducted from March 18 to 20 and armed with warrants of arrest, successfully apprehended 46 most wanted persons in Luzon, 21 in the Visayas, and 30 in Mindanao.

All arrested individuals are currently under the custody of the arresting CIDG units. They are undergoing documentation and proper disposition before their warrants are returned to the issuing courts for further proceedings.

CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III commended the agents responsible for the arrests, acknowledging the "difficult, dangerous and risky" nature of capturing criminals. He emphasized the CIDG's commitment to ensuring a safe and peaceful national and local election period in May. This commitment includes confiscating all loose firearms, neutralizing criminal groups and networks, and arresting criminals, wanted persons, and fugitives across the country.