Manila: Police in Central Luzon seized more than PHP1.7 million worth of suspected shabu and arrested several high-value suspects in a series of anti-drug operations on Dec. 23-24. Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 (Central Luzon) chief, Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Pe±ones Jr., stated that the intensified campaign continued despite the Christmas holidays.

According to Philippines News Agency, Pe±ones emphasized that the fight against illegal drugs remains steadfast even during holiday periods, with personnel on full alert to protect communities. In Guimba, Nueva Ecija, a buy-bust operation early Wednesday led to the arrest of two suspects and the confiscation of about 155 grams of suspected shabu, an improvised firearm, and ammunition. The estimated street value of the seized drugs is PHP1,054,000.

Separate operations in Tarlac City and Bocaue, Bulacan, resulted in four additional arrests and the seizure of approximately 108 grams of suspected shabu. The estimated street value of these drugs is more than PHP734,000 combined. All suspects are currently in custody pending the filing of charges, and the seized drugs have been sent for laboratory examination, as reported by the PRO-3.