MANILA: The Police Regional Office 3 (Central Luzon) successfully apprehended 166 drug suspects and seized illegal drugs valued at approximately PHP3 million during a series of coordinated anti-drug operations held from Oct. 6 to Oct. 13.
According to Philippines News Agency, Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, chief of PRO 3, highlighted the capture of 284.9 grams of shabu and 9.8 kg of marijuana, altogether worth around PHP3.11 million. These operations significantly disrupted the illegal drug supply chain in the region. Brig. Gen. Maranan emphasized the importance of the community’s support in their ongoing efforts to combat drug-related activities and maintain safety in Central Luzon.
In addition to the drug busts, the operations week also saw the voluntary surrender of several former members of rebel groups. Notably, on Oct. 12, a former squad leader known as “Ka Ian” from the Bagong Hukbong Bayan, affiliated with the Rehiyong Yunit Guerilla Gawaing Militar-South Party Committee, surrendered in Bataan. He hand
ed over various explosive materials and an unserviceable firearm.
Further surrenders included alias “Ka Val” from Aurora Party Committee, who surrendered on Oct. 9, and alias “Ka Rod” from Alyansang Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luzon-Nueva Ecija, who renounced his support for his group on Oct. 5. On Oct. 4, “Ka Tonet” also surrendered, providing authorities with a firearm and explosives in Pampanga.
Brig. Gen. Maranan reaffirmed the commitment of Central Luzon’s police force to foster peace and encourage former rebels to reintegrate into society through the Balik Loob Program.