NEARLY P24 million worth of shabu have been seized while 968 targets were hauled to jail by agents of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-10 in Northern Mindanao, the regional police director told the Journal Group yesterday.

PRO-10 director, Brigadier General Ricardo G. Layug Jr. said they made the anti-drug accomplishments from October 10, 2023 to last February 23, 2024 alone.

In a report to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr., Layug said that during the period, they conducted 816 anti-narcotics operations.

The operations led to the arrest of the 968 suspects and the seizure of more than 3.4 kilos of shabu and nearly 80 grams of dried marijuana leaves worth P23.337 million.

Layug said 650 criminal charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 have been filed against the arrested drug personalities.

“These anti-drug accomplishments are part of our commitment to be excellent and efficient in all our activities and initiatives to better serve the community and ensure public safety and security in Northern Mindanao,” the official said.

Layug has consistently advocated the cause through his program thrust, ‘Serbisyong CARDO, Serbisyong may Puso,’ emphasizing the fight against all forms of criminality, particularly illegal drugs.

“Through the collective efforts of the PNP and our commitment to maintaining a safer place to live, work, and do business in the region, PRO-10 remains steadfast and dedicated in fulfilling our responsibilities as law enforcers especially in the fight against illegal drugs,” he said.

Layug also assured Northern Mindanao residents of an all-out campaign against all other forms of criminality, insurgency, terrorism and other lawless activities.

Crime rate in the region has significantly dropped last year to date compared to the same period in 2022.

In November, Layug revealed a 7.24-percent decrease in index crimes during his first month as Regional Director of PRO-10 in October 2023 compared to the previous month.

The total index crime stood at 152 cases in September 2023. The PRO-10 likewise recorded a significant improvement with 141 total index crimes in October 2023.

While theft, physical injuries and rape persist as the top three crimes with the highest reported cases in the region, Layug said they nevertheless are decreasing.

“The notable decline in crime rates is a result of the concerted efforts of our law enforcement agencies and the support of the community.

We remain committed to creating an environment where our citizens can live, work and do business,” he said.