THE Police Regional Office (PRO)-1 headed by Brigadier General Lou Evangelista recently bared that for May 2024, they have arrested 138 drug targets and seized more than P11 million worth of shabu and other prohibited drugs.

In a report to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, the official said their gains against criminality in Region 1 was part of their commitment to the people of Ilocos-Pangasinan.

Evangelista said that from May 1 to 31, they conducted 112 anti-narcotics operations, including 85 buy-busts and served 19 search warrants for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Those operations also resulted in the recovery of nearly 21.3 kilograms of dried marijuana leaves, around 1.339 kilos of shabu, 5 ecstasy tablets and 0.288 grams of cocaine with a market value of P11.664 million.

A total of 111 separate complaints for violation of RA 9165 have been filed against the arrested suspects, who are now being held in different PRO-1 lock-up facilities.

Evangelista also said the month saw his men accounting for 349 wanted lawbreakers.

The arrested suspects were wanted for murder, rape, car and motorcycle theft, estafa, robbery, physical injuries and violation of RA 9165 and RA 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013.

The official said that during the period, they also arrested two known motorcycle thieves and recovered two stolen motorbikes.

At the same time, the PRO-1 seized 14 illegal firearms and arrested 19 persons who are facing 23 separate cases for violation of RA 10591.

He said the arrests were made in line with their implementation of the PNP Letter of Instruction Kontra Boga aimed at accounting for loose firearms and other deadly weapons.

Evangelista said the PNP Oplan: Katok resulted in the surrender of 82 firearms with expired licenses, the recovery of 12 illegal guns and the surrender of 16 others for PRO-1’s safekeeping until their permits and licenses are renewed.

The PRO1 director also said their intensified campaign against gambling joints affecting legitimate Small-Town Lottery operations in the region last May resulted in the arrest of two suspects.

He said that other anti-illegal gambling operations in the region in May led in the arrest of 212 persons and the confiscation of P70,891.00 bet money and assorted gambling paraphernalia.

A total of 42 cases for violation of the illegal gambling law were filed against the apprehended persons.

Last May, 18 New People’s Army members and supporters surrendered to the PRO-1. The NPA members turned over five firearms to the police.

Additionally, 19 Communist Front Organizations (CFO) personalities in the region also surrendered to the PRO1 and turned over four guns to local police authorities.

Last April, the Ilocos-Pangasinan regional police force also hauled to jail 353 wanted persons, arrested 106 drug targets and confiscated nearly P36.7 million worth of shabu and marijuana plants and dried leaves.

The PRO1 also seized 112 unlicensed guns during the period.

“These remarkable achievements underscore PRO 1’s dedication to creating a secured region,” Evangelista said.