269 persons arrested for illegal acts in 3 days

CEBU, Philippines —  At least P14 million worth of illegal drugs were confiscated from the 269 arrested persons by the members of the Police Regional Office 7 during the three-day Synchronized Enhanced Managing Police Operations (SEMPO).

The SEMPO started midnight of February 24 until February 26 that focuses on illegal drugs, illegal gambling, loose firearms and accounting of wanted persons.

In a statement released by the PRO-7, the region-wide simultaneous operations yielded 679.34 grams of shabu with an estimated value of P4.6 million in its 228 operations conducted with two fatalities recorded.

Meanwhile, a total of 72,500 grams of marijuana seized on the same period with an estimated value of P8.7 million. On the operations against illegal gambling, the PRO-7 was able to conduct a total of 156 operations wherein 315 were arrested.

At least 269 illegal gambling paraphernalia were seized and cash amounting to P26,217.

As to the campaign against loose firearms, 33 personalities were arrested where 284 firearms were confiscated and surrendered which includes three explosives on the 242 operations conducted.

The PRO-7 has also arrested 468 wanted persons. The 36 of them were considered as most wanted persons in different level.

According to Police Brigadier General Ronnie Montejo, PRO-7 director, the region-wide SEMPO conducted by all operating units was considered “very successful” wherein no police operative was hurt or injured during the entire duration.

"Magpabiling mabinantayon kita kanunay sa atong palibot bisan pa sa nagpadayong hulga sa COVID. Dili ta mosugot na adunay grupo o mga indibidwal nga magmugna og kasamok ug kagubot dinhi sa dakbayan," said Montejo.

He added that they don’t lower their guards with the Amigo Cops 24/7 in Central Visayas. — GMR (FREEMAN)