NEARLY a thousand lawbreakers were arrested by Pampanga provincial police through the ongoing Simultaneous Anti–Criminality Law Enforcement Operations (Sacleo) launched on September 17.
According to Pampanga Police Provincial Office Director Colonel Andres Simbajon Jr., the suspects were arrested during the 421 operations against illegal drugs, illegal gambling, wanted persons and violators of special laws and local ordinance.
In the anti-illegal operations, a total of 176 personalities were arrested and led to the seizure of 569 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu), 43 grams of suspected marijuana, along with buy-bust money, seven firearms and other pieces of evidence.
One hundred fifty-one suspects were also collared by policemen during the anti-illegal gambling operations while bet money amounting to P138,083 and other gambling paraphernalia were confiscated.
Sixteen most wanted persons under provincial, city and municipal level who were responsible for various crimes were also arrested.
Ninety-eight wanted persons listed in the police's Sibat Target were also nabbed through the service of Warrant of Arrest issued by proper court.
Thirty-one persons have also surrendered during the Oplan Katok, while two criminal gang members have voluntarily submitted themselves to authorities.
In the implementation of Covid-19 protocols, 500 persons were arrested for not wearing face masks, a violation of Provincial Ordinance 756, which requires the mandatory wearing of face mask, and violation of Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code for resistance and disobedience.
Simbajon said the Pampanga police's implementation of Sacleo amid the Covid-19 pandemic reflects its continuous and intensified campaign against illegal drugs and all forms of criminality.