Manila: The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) seized more than PHP2 million worth of suspected illegal drugs during a series of operations conducted from July 6 to 12, an official said Wednesday. In a report, PRO-5 spokesperson Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib detailed the results of these operations, which included 59 successful anti-drug raids that led to the confiscation of 324.28 grams of suspected shabu and 15.42 grams of suspected marijuana, with a combined street value of PHP2.2 million.

According to Philippines News Agency, the operations also resulted in the arrest of 67 drug personalities. Of the arrested individuals, eight were identified as high-value targets, while 59 were classified as street-level individuals. The Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office (PPO) recorded the highest amount of drug seizures, with an estimated value of PHP726,648, followed by Albay PPO (PHP602,988), Camarines Norte PPO (PHP457,776), Naga City Police Office (PHP258,400), Masbate PPO (PHP95,336), Catanduanes PPO (PHP61,200), and Sorsogon PPO (PHP4,572).

Calubaquib emphasized that in addition to police operations, PRO-5 runs community education campaigns to inform the public about the dangers of illegal drugs and to encourage community involvement in the fight against drug abuse. Meanwhile, 130 wanted individuals were arrested during regionwide manhunt operations in the same period. The arrested individuals included one regional most-wanted person (MWP), 10 provincial MWPs, three city MWPs, 24 municipal MWPs, and 92 other wanted persons.

She stated that a sustained campaign against wanted persons highlights PRO-5's commitment to ensuring that individuals facing criminal charges are brought before the courts and held accountable under the law.