A total of 757 individuals were arrested, while approximately P17,892,902.95 worth of illegal drugs, firearms, contraband, and other prohibited items were seized during intensified police operations across Eastern Visayas throughout March 2026.
“These accomplishments serve as a warning to all lawless elements that PRO-8 remains relentless and committed to enforcing the law and ensuring the safety and security of our communities,” said Regional Director Brigadier General Jason Capoy on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, as he commended police personnel in the region.
In the anti-illegal drugs campaign, 103 operations were conducted, resulting in the arrest of 137 individuals and the seizure of 540.63 grams of illegal drugs, with an estimated value of P3,657,308.59.
Supporting the anti-insurgency campaign, 30 communist rebels voluntarily surrendered, with 23 firearms and explosives confiscated, surrendered, or recovered.
PRO-8 launched 17 operations against cigarette smuggling, leading to the arrest of two suspects and the confiscation of 555 packs and 22 reams of smuggled cigarettes, with an estimated value of P75,690.00.
In anti-petroleum smuggling operations, three operations resulted in the arrest of five individuals and the confiscation or surrender of approximately 1,920 liters of petroleum products, valued at P203,276.00, according to the police regional command.
Out of 203 anti-illegal fishing operations, 363 individuals were arrested, with the confiscation of fishing paraphernalia valued at P13,496,976.00, as well as fish catch worth P99,080.00.
Police also carried out 38 anti-illegal logging operations, resulting in the arrest of 26 individuals and the confiscation, surrender, or recovery of 4,685.06 board feet of illegal lumber, valued at P319,178.36.
Meanwhile, in the campaign against illegal possession of firearms and explosives, PRO-8 conducted 181 operations, leading to the confiscation, surrender, and recovery of 202 firearms and explosive devices.
On anti-illegal gambling, police conducted 83 operations, yielding 224 arrests and the confiscation of bet money amounting to P41,394.00.
“PRO-8 continues to intensify its law enforcement operations in line with its mandate to suppress all forms of criminality and maintain peace and order across Eastern Visayas,” Capoy said. (Ronald Reyes/SunStar Philippines)