Police arrest close to 400 in one week

CEBU, Philippines — At least 394 persons were arrested in Central Visayas during a week of relentless and strategic law enforcement operations conducted by the operatives of Police Regional Office-7 from September 10 to 16.

The series of operations was in compliance with the guidelines of the 5-focused agenda of PNP chief Benjamin Acorda Jr.

PRO-7 Regional Director Brigadier General Anthony Aberin said the series of operations resulted in the confiscation of 1,770.36 grams of illegal drugs worth P12 million and the arrest of 97 drug personalities.

There were also 200 illegal gamblers arrested and P18,768 worth of bet money seized. The police also recovered 75 unregistered firearms, 177 rounds of ammunition and two explosives from 20 individuals now facing criminal charges.

In the campaign against wanted persons, police operatives arrested nine most wanted persons and 68 others with pending arrest warrants.

"Our primary thrust is to defeat the drug menace by focusing on the drug demand reduction in line with SILG Atty. Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr.'s BIDA program. On this endeavor, the help of the community is indispensable," said Aberin.

Meanwhile, four individuals have been arrested inside a drug den in Barangay Sapangdaku, Cebu City. Operatives of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency conducted a buy-bust operation Monday evening, September 18, against Joseph Sanchez, 40, a resident of said place.

Sanchez was caught with 50 grams of shabu worth P340,000 and several drug paraphernalia. Also arrested during the operation and will be facing criminal complaint for visiting a drug den are Ginu Abella, 26; Ranel Gabunada, 39; and Jacques Ragasaho, 47.

According to PDEA, Sanchez can dispose of 100 grams of shabu every week. — (FREEMAN)