QCPD rounds up 173 in anti-crime drive

MANILA, Philippines — Up to 173 people were apprehended during an intensified campaign against crime in Quezon City in a span of one week.

Among those arrested from Jan. 5 to 11 were 52 drug suspects and 59 most wanted persons, according to Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Col. Melecio Buslig Jr.

The other suspects are 58 illegal gamblers. Four were nabbed for possession of loose firearms, Buslig said.

Police also seized 1,082.9 grams of illegal drugs in 33 anti-narcotics operations.

“The anti-crime drive aims to ensure the safety of QC residents,” Buslig said in a statement.

For the arrested fugitives, Buslig said 18 are listed among the top most wanted.

Among them is Jextter Simbul, the No. 7 most wanted person of the Novaliches police station.

Simbul was collared on Jan. 10 after 13 years of hiding, based on a warrant of arrest for qualified theft and theft.

The QCPD also intensified its anti-gambling operations, arresting 58 people and confiscating P19,193 in bet money.