Surigao city: Around PHP2.5 million worth of illegal drugs and 25 loose firearms were seized during the Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations (SACLEO) conducted by the Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13) from July 21 to 27. In a report Monday, PRO-13 Director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano highlighted the successful confiscation of 370.9 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu and 2.6 grams of marijuana during the weeklong operations.

According to Philippines News Agency, the largest drug seizure occurred on July 22 in Barangay Taft, Surigao City, where authorities confiscated 150 grams of shabu valued at PHP1 million. A total of 35 individuals were arrested in connection with anti-drug operations, including a high-value target in Surigao City.

The SACLEO also resulted in the confiscation of 25 loose firearms and the arrest of eight suspects for illegal possession of firearms. Furthermore, seven individuals were apprehended for illegal gambling activities.

In addition to the crackdown on drugs and firearms, PRO-13 personnel carried out anti-illegal logging operations, leading to the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of 4,408 board feet of illegal logs valued at PHP88,000.

On the anti-insurgency front, 14 members of the communist New People's Army (NPA) surrendered to PRO-13 field units, handing over three firearms in the process. As part of the SACLEO, authorities also arrested 25 most wanted persons and 90 other individuals wanted for various offenses in the region.