Central luzon: Police units across Central Luzon scored significant victories in the government's intensified campaign against illegal drugs, arresting four high-value targets (HVTs) and seizing over PHP1.3 million worth of suspected shabu in three provinces during back-to-back operations from July 3 to 4.

According to Philippines News Agency, these arrests in Pampanga, Bulacan, and Bataan point to a synchronized, intelligence-driven strategy across regional police units and partner agencies.

In Pampanga, operatives from the San Fernando City Police Station's Drug Enforcement Unit arrested three individuals identified only by their aliases: 'Edwin,' 'Maine,' and 'Bentaks.' Police said they were caught during a buy-bust operation in Barangay San Pedro Cutud, yielding approximately 75 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP510,000.

Just minutes earlier, at around 11:20 p.m. on Thursday in Bulacan, the Balagtas Municipal Police Station apprehended another HVT-alias 'Jasper'-during a buy-bust in Barangay Borol 1st. The operation led to the confiscation of 50 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of PHP340,000.

Hours later, at 3:30 a.m. Friday, a joint team from the Orani Municipal Police Station and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region III (PDEA RO3) arrested alias 'Buboy' in Barangay Bayan, Orani, Bataan. This operation yielded 80 grams of suspected shabu worth approximately PHP544,000.

All suspects face charges under Sections 5 and 11 of Article II of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

PRO-3 chief Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Pe±ones, Jr. emphasized that the coordinated success of these operations is a direct result of sustained efforts and actionable intelligence. 'This isn't just about arrests; it's about disrupting drug networks across multiple provinces,' said Pe±ones. 'PRO-3 remains fully committed to President Marcos' directive of eradicating the drug menace and restoring peace in our communities.'