CABANATUAN CITY – Intensified police operations in Nueva Ecija on Friday led to the separate arrests of three most wanted persons, six suspected illegal gamblers, an illegal gun possessor, and an alleged drug trafficker.

The operations also resulted in the confiscation of shabu worth P12,920, loose firearms, gambling paraphernalia, and explosives.

Nueva Ecija top cop Col. Richard V. Caballero said operatives of the San Jose City police and the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company conducted a search operation and nabbed a 56-year-old farmer in Zone 3, Bgy. Sto. Tomas, who yielded an unlicensed cal. .38 revolver with six bullets.

Meanwhile, a 29-year-old man from Bgy. San Lorenzo, Gapan City, was arrested during an anti-illegal drug operation conducted by the local police led by Lt. Col. Wilmar M. Binag.

Around 1.9 grams of shabu with an estimated value of P12,920 was seized during the operation.

Also, separate anti-illegal gambling operations launched by the Gapan City police and Cabiao Municipal Station arrested six gamblers, who were caught playing illegal card games called “tong-its.”

Seized from the six were playing cards and bet money amounting to P1,038.

Caballero added that the implementation of “Oplan Manhunt Charlie” in the towns of Aliaga, Laur, and Sta.Rosa resulted in the arrest of three wanted persons for violations of Republic Act 10372, Batasang Pambansa 22, and reckless imprudence resulting in mutilation, physical injury, and damage to property.

Also, the police stations in Llanera, Gabaldon, and Jaen recovered three hand grenades following reports received from concerned citizens. The explosives are now under the custody of NE-PECU for proper handling and disposal.

“We encourage the participation of the community to be always on alert against criminal elements and report any suspicious incidents to authorities. This is in line with the directives of Police Regional Office 3 director Brig. General Jose S. Hidalgo Jr. to maintain peace and order in the region,” Caballero said.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Steve A. Gosuico