Baku:Bicol The Police Regional Office 5 (PRO 5) has announced the arrest of 239 individuals during a series of anti-criminality operations conducted across the Bicol Region from October 25 to 31. These operations aimed at curbing illegal activities and enforcing law and order.

According to Philippines News Agency, the arrests included 99 individuals apprehended during 82 search warrant operations. These operations targeted illegal drugs and loose firearms. Additionally, 90 wanted persons were captured, with 50 of these arrests occurring during a regionwide Warrant Day Operation on October 30. The remaining 40 were apprehended through regular police efforts.

In their campaign against illegal gambling, PRO-5 arrested 15 individuals and seized bet money amounting to PHP25,220. Anti-illegal mining operations led to the arrest of 10 individuals, with evidence valued at PHP10,190 confiscated. One person was arrested in an anti-illegal logging operation, resulting in the seizure of items worth PHP4,800. Furthermore, five operations against illegal fishing resulted in 21 arrests and the confiscation of evidence valued at PHP928,900. Two operations against cigarette smuggling led to the arrest of three individuals, with cigarettes worth PHP39,530 seized.

PRO-5 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Randy Glenn Silvio emphasized that these arrests reflect the police force's ongoing efforts to maintain peace and order across the region. He highlighted the commitment to the PNP Focused Agenda and the determination to intensify intelligence-driven and community-oriented police operations. Silvio assured that PRO-5 will continue its anti-criminality campaign by further strengthening police operations and ensuring accountability for law violators.

The operations were conducted under the Philippine National Police's Focused Agenda, with a commitment to delivering responsive police service and strengthening community partnerships. PRO-5 also called on the public to report suspicious activities and cooperate with authorities to maintain peace and security within their communities.