Manila: Police operatives seized PHP93 million worth of illegal drugs and arrested 1,057 suspects during a series of operations from Nov. 23 to 30, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a press briefing at Camp Crame, acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that the confiscated items include 10,389 grams of shabu, 103 grams of dried marijuana leaves, 73,870 pieces of marijuana, 1,645 grams of marijuana kush, and 20,086 grams of cocaine. The PNP conducted 1,024 operations during this period.
Regarding the police's campaign against criminality, Nartatez reported that 1,202 individuals with standing warrants of arrest were apprehended during the same week. Additionally, the PNP carried out 52 anti-smuggling operations, leading to the arrest of 49 individuals and the seizure of PHP14.6 million worth of various smuggled items, including cigarettes and agricultural products.
Aside from these law enforcement operations, the PNP maintained security during the Nov. 30 anti-corruption rallies in and outside the National Capital Region. Nartatez highlighted the police force's role in securing major public events and carrying out daily law enforcement tasks as a reflection of their dedication to maintaining peace, order, and public safety nationwide.
Police forces were placed on high alert on Friday afternoon for Sunday's "Trillion Peso March." Nartatez noted that an assessment would be conducted before downgrading the alert status, emphasizing that the Nov. 30 rally had been peaceful and orderly.
In a statement, Nartatez mentioned that with the success of security measures in recent assemblies, the PNP will shift its focus to ensuring a peaceful and meaningful Yuletide season. He stressed the importance of police visibility and security measures to ensure public safety during the busy holiday period, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s instructions to the PNP.
Nartatez instructed police commanders nationwide, particularly in Metro Manila and other urban areas, to implement security measures and conduct regular reviews for necessary adjustments. The same instructions were given to commanders in tourist spots across the country to address the perception that crime volume increases during December.
