Eastern visayas: Police in Eastern Visayas seized PHP113.9 million worth of illegal drugs in 2025 following more than a thousand law enforcement operations, the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) reported.
According to Philippines News Agency, PRO-8 carried out 1,085 anti-illegal drug operations during the year, leading to the confiscation of 23.19 kilograms of illegal drugs. The haul included 15.76 kilograms of shabu, 773.76 grams of marijuana, and 6.65 kilograms of cocaine, with a total estimated value of PHP113.91 million.
In a press statement, PRO-8 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy commended the operating units for their professionalism and dedication, stressing that the seizure prevented a substantial volume of illegal drugs from reaching communities. He highlighted the significance of the confiscation, emphasizing the lives potentially saved from drug abuse. Brig. Gen. Capoy affirmed the agency's commitment to dismantling drug networks through sustained operations, strong inter-agency coordination, and active community partnership.
The region's most significant anti-drug breakthrough in 2025 was the recovery of 20 bricks of cocaine with an estimated value of PHP111.8 million. These were found floating at sea by a local fisherman in the waters off Arteche, Eastern Samar on March 8, 2025. In a recent operation on December 19, police arrested a high-value individual and seized more than PHP7.3 million worth of suspected shabu during a joint buy-bust operation in Barangay Salvacion, Ormoc City.
Additionally, PRO-8 facilitated the surrender of 204 members of the New People's Army. The police recovered 60 firearms and 14 explosives, while arresting 34 rebels in 2025. A total of 709 anti-gambling operations were conducted, leading to the arrest of 1,891 individuals and the confiscation of PHP361,227 worth of gambling money.
Intensified enforcement against illegal fishing resulted in 1,990 operations, with 3,702 violators arrested. Confiscated fish and fishing paraphernalia were valued at PHP173.06 million. Operations against wanted persons led to the arrest of 4,513 individuals, including 566 most wanted persons and 3,947 other wanted individuals, following 4,483 police operations.
PRO-8 stated its determination to sustain these efforts to ensure a safer and more secure Eastern Visayas region.
