MANILA: The Philippine National Police (PNP) Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) ended 2022 with a string of major accomplishments following the intensified anti-criminality operations.
CIDG chief Brig. Gen. Ronald Lee said the group was able to keep the momentum of the government’s campaign against illegal drugs when it arrested 114 suspects during the 61 operations they conducted throughout the year.
A total PHP6,752,170 worth of illegal drugs was seized during these operations while 28 cases were filed in courts.
In the campaign against illegal gambling and game fixing, CIDG conducted 1,233 operations that resulted in the arrest of 4,136 people. At least PHP3 million worth of cash bets were confiscated and 1,083 cases were filed.
Lee also said CIDG conducted 8,621 manhunt operations against most wanted persons for various crimes across the country.
As for the campaign against loose firearms, a total of 1,582 operations were conducted that led to the arrest of 780 individuals and the filing of 387 cases. At least 13 people were killed during these operations while 918 firearms, 4,095 explosives, and 15,241 ammunition were confiscated.
Lee also said the CIDG held 183 operations against smuggling and counterfeiting that led to the confiscation of over PHP50 million worth of counterfeit items and the arrest of at least 300 people.
Meanwhile, CIDG conducted nine operations against illegal recruiters and traffickers. Fifteen were arrested in these operations while four cases were filed with the courts.
Also, the CIDG’s campaign against unlawful destruction of natural resources resulted in a total of 262 operations, with 487 persons arrested, the confiscation or recovery of illegally cut lumber and other items worth PHP75,676,899 and the filing of 150 court cases.
Lee attributed these successes of the CIDG in its anti-criminality operations to the continuous support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“With the support of our President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., this resulted in an intensified law enforcement operation and a high satisfaction rating from our compatriots,” Lee said in a statement issued on New Year’s Day.
“These flagship projects have proven to be an effective and efficient law enforcement tool in providing the maximum or ultimate result in response and support to maintain peace and security in the country,” he added.
Lee also took pride as CIDG supported other agencies and units in making breakthroughs and landmark accomplishments in several cases, including the neutralization of the notorious Warla Criminal Group of transwomen engaged in gunrunning and kidnapping of foreign nationals.
The group also played a vital role in solving the controversial case of missing cockfighting aficionados, and the continued investigation of Percival “Ka Percy Lapid” Mabasa’s assassination.
The CIDG was also part of several police operations against unlicensed or illegal POGO operations, wherein operators were allegedly involved in the kidnapping and illegal detention of its employees and players who were mostly foreign nationals.
The CIDG Director said the success of the group was a concerted effort and a unified desire of those who championed a peaceful and safer nation for all Filipinos.
Source: Philippines News Agency
