A TOTAL of 17 most wanted persons and 938 other offenders were arrested in 18 days of continuous police operations across Eastern Visayas from April 10-27, 2020, according to Police Regional Office (PRO)-8 on Wednesday, May 13.
“I humbly ask for the support and cooperation of the public in our goal towards a peaceful and safe place to live in. As we face this (coronavirus disease) pandemic, let us be united and follow the mandate of our government, stay home, save lives, and have a crime-free environment,” said Brigadier General Bernabe Balba, police regional director.
The arrested persons also included 32 illegal drug personalities; 187 illegal fishers; 311 illegal gamblers; and 30 illegal loggers, among others.
Leyte Provincial Police Office (LPPO), under provincial director Colonel Rodelio Samsom, police nabbed five most wanted persons for the crimes of rape and murder, and 82 other wanted persons for various crimes.
In Southern Leyte, police provincial director Colonel Nelson Eucogco led in the arrest of one most wanted person for the crime of qualified trespass to dwelling and 53 other wanted persons for other crimes.
Eight most wanted persons and 22 other wanted persons were also arrested in Samar under provincial director Colonel Andre Dizon.
Colonel Reynaldo Dela Cruz, director of Northern Samar Provincial Police Office (NSPPO) led in the arrest of one most wanted person who is facing a crime of frustrated murder and 35 other wanted persons.
In Eastern Samar Provincial Police Office (ESPPO), under police director Colonel Carlito Abriz, one most wanted person and 56 other wanted persons were arrested.
Biliran Police Provincial Office (BPPO), headed by Colonel Julius Coyme, nabbed nabbed 66 other wanted persons for the crimes of murder, alarm and scandal, and other crimes.
In Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO), city director Colonel Michael David, led in the arrest of one most wanted person for the violation of Republic Act (RA) 9165 or Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and 29 other wanted persons.
Colonel Armel Gongona, director of Ormoc City Police Office (OCPO), also led in the arrest of 35 other wanted persons for the crimes of estafa; resistance and disobedience to an agent of person in authority; and other crimes.
The police operations also resulted to the confiscation of 89 pieces heat-sealed plastic sachets suspected as shabu; 38 pieces heat-sealed plastic sachets suspected as marijuana; and P16,000 used as marked money; P4,083,460 worth of assorted fish and fishing paraphernalia; P41,608 worth of bet money; and P3,163,516.2 worth of lumber of different dimensions. (SunStar Philippines)