PNP agents net 1,531 HVTs in 100-day drive
A STEPPED-UP campaign by the Philippine National Police (PNP) against illegal drug trafficking in the country has resulted in the arrest of 1,531 “high-value targets” (HVTs) during the first 100 days of the Marcos administration, PNP Chief General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. said Tuesday.
“This notable breakthrough is a result of consistent and smooth coordination between the PNP and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) drug enforcement units for the past three months wherein 12,321 anti-illegal drug operations were conducted nationwide,” the top cop said.
According to Gen. Azurin, different PNP drug operating units arrested 13,391 drug personalities, including 1,531 high-value individuals (HVIs) who were individually charged with violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 from July 1 to October 8, 2022.
As per data submitted by 17 police regional offices, the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7) in Central Visayas under Brig. Gen. Roderick Augustus B. Alba logged the biggest accomplishment on arrested HVIs with 250 drug personalities arrested, followed by PRO3 in Central Luzon under Brig. Gen. Cesar DR. Pasiwen with 203, the PRO4-A in Calabarzon region under Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. with 156, the PRO11 in Southern Mindanao headed by Brig. Gen. Benjamin H. Silo Jr. with 132 and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) in Metro Manila led by Brig. Gen. Jonnel C. Estomo with 123.
“These significant accomplishments remarkably describe the aggressiveness of the intelligence-driven supply reduction strategy with a strong emphasis on non-violent methods of effecting arrest while ensuring the protection of operating teams engaged in a violent confrontation with armed suspects brought by proper equipment and training,” Azurin said.
“Tulong-tulong tayong lahat na labanan ang ilegal na droga sa pamamagitan ng mas pinaigting na programa upang tuluyang mahuli natin ang mga malalaking sindikato na nagpapakalat ng ilegal na droga sa bansa,” he added.
Azurin likewise assured the public that the that PNP will remain at the forefront of the national strategy against the country’s drug problem, this time using a holistic approach to address the menace in full support of the PDEA (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency) headed by Director General Moro Virgilio M. Lazo.
“Consistent with our mandate – to serve and protect the citizenry, the PNP will continue to intensify its efforts in pursuit of our mission towards a safer, more progressive, and drug-free community,” Azurin added.
