Butuan: The Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) revealed the successful apprehension of six Most Wanted Persons (MWPs) during a weeklong simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations (SACLEO) conducted from May 12 to 18.

According to Philippines News Agency, the SACLEO also led to the arrest of 16 additional individuals wanted for crimes such as robbery, car theft, illegal drugs, statutory rape, and other offenses through the execution of arrest warrants and follow-up operations.

Among those apprehended were the Top 6 MWP in the Caraga Region, charged with four counts of statutory rape, and the Top 2 MWP in Agusan del Norte. These successful operations were carried out in various areas including Butuan City, Surigao City, and Davao del Norte, thanks to coordinated efforts by different police units and partner agencies.

BCPO Director Col. Richie Yatar stated that these accomplishments demonstrate the organization's unwavering commitment to intensifying manhunt operations and ensuring that wanted individuals face justice, aligning with their mandate to maintain peace and public safety.

The BCPO further reported the capture of three high-value individuals and eight street-level suspects during a series of anti-illegal drug operations over the week. Authorities confiscated 72.5 grams of suspected shabu, valued at approximately PHP493,000, from the suspects now in police custody. They face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Col. Yatar reaffirmed the BCPO's dedication to strengthening anti-drug operations and urged public support in reporting illegal drug activities within communities. Yatar recently took over as the director of BCPO, assuming his role on Friday.