Ecija cops bag 73 suspects in ‘One-Time, Big-Time’ ops
CABANATUAN CITY – Local police here launched “One-Time, Big-Time” operations on illegal gambling, “most wanted persons” (MWPs), and illegal drugs, which led to the arrest of 73 suspects during stepped-up manhunt operations in Nueva Ecija on Wednesday.
Authorities collared 53 suspected gamblers, apprehended in two cities and nine towns of the province – Gapan City and Science City of Muñoz, and towns of San Antonio, Llanera, Jaen, Lupao, Peñaranda, Talugtug, General Tinio, San Leonardo, and Cuyapo according to Provincial Police Director Col. Richard V. Caballero.
The suspects were caught red-handed while playing illegal gambling games such as pusoy, tong-its, bet games, online cockfighting, and illegal STL (small town lottery) operations.
Caballero said those 13 MWPs fell in separate manhunt operations conducted by police stations in San Antonio, Talavera, Cabanatuan City, Licab, Sto. Domingo, Guimba, Jaen, and Carranglan. The 13 suspects, who are now under police custody, have separate outstanding arrest warrants for estafa, rape, robbery, violation of Batasang Pambansa No.22, theft, grave threats, and violation of Republic Act 7586.
Meanwhile, seven suspects were busted during separate anti-illegal drug operations in Sto. Domingo, Zaragoza, San Antonio, San Leonardo, Cabanatuan City, and Science City of Muñoz, which resulted in the seizure of 15.5 grams of shabu with a street value of P105,112.
Caballero said these police operations will send a “strong message” to these lawless elements to stop their unlawful acts as the hands of justice will ultimately catch up with them wherever they go or hide. He said this was in line with the directives of Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) Director Brig. Gen. Cesar Pasiwen to intensify anti-crime operations in Central Luzon.
