TACLOBAN CITY — A total of 757 individuals were arrested and nearly P17.9 million worth of illegal drugs, firearms, contraband, and other prohibited items were confiscated during a month-long series of intensified police operations across Eastern Visayas in March 2026.
The Police Regional Office(PRO)- 8 said the sustained law enforcement drive covered anti-drug, anti-insurgency, anti-smuggling, environmental protection, and anti-gambling operations across the region.
PRO-8 Director Brigadier General Jason Capoy said the results reflect the police force’s continued commitment to maintaining peace and order and warning lawless elements operating in the region.
In the anti-illegal drugs campaign alone, police conducted 103 operations that led to the arrest of 137 individuals and the seizure of 540.63 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated value of P3.65 million.
Authorities also reported gains in the anti-insurgency drive, where 30 communist rebels voluntarily surrendered, along with the recovery and turnover of 23 firearms and explosives.
On other illegal activities, PRO-8 conducted 17 anti-cigarette smuggling operations, resulting in two arrests and the seizure of smuggled tobacco products valued at P75,690.
In anti-petroleum smuggling operations, five individuals were arrested and about 1,920 liters of fuel products worth P203,276 were confiscated or surrendered.
The police also intensified its crackdown on illegal fishing, conducting 203 operations that led to 363 arrests and the seizure of fishing equipment and fish catch valued at over P13.5 million.
Meanwhile, 38 anti-illegal logging operations resulted in the arrest of 26 individuals and the recovery of thousands of board feet of illegally cut lumber valued at P319,178.36.
On illegal firearms, PRO-8 reported 181 operations that led to the confiscation, surrender, or recovery of 202 firearms and explosive devices, while anti-gambling operations resulted in 224 arrests and the seizure of P41,394 in bet money.
Capoy said the series of operations underscores the region’s intensified law enforcement efforts to suppress criminal activity and safeguard communities across Eastern Visayas.
(RONALD O. REYES)
