By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – A series of operations in a span of 24 hours has resulted in the arrest of 14 wanted persons, including a foreign national, and confiscation of PHP46.78 million worth of illegal drugs.
The operations were conducted in various parts of the country from 8 a.m. on Wednesday until 8 a.m. the following day, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday.
“Those taken into custody include high-profile fugitives and top regional wanted persons, as well as local suspects involved in serious crimes such as murder, rape, statutory rape, and drug-related offenses,” the PNP said in a news release.
Among those arrested was a 22-year-old fugitive in Lambunao, Iloilo, who was wanted for destructive arson. He was taken into custody without bail.
In Sto. Tomas City, Batangas, a 40-year-old Filipino male was arrested for qualified rape of a minor involving five counts, while in Lipa City, authorities apprehended a 38-year-old male for two counts of statutory rape.
In Makati City, authorities arrested a 40-year-old American national for violating Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004. A PHP144,000 bail was recommended for his temporary release.
Meanwhile, police also conducted several anti-illegal drug operations during the 24-hour period, specifically eradication, buy-bust and interdiction operations.
The PNP said marijuana eradication efforts in Benguet and Kalinga resulted in the discovery and destruction of nearly PHP7.6 million worth of marijuana.
A high-value shabu shipment weighing 5,424 grams, with an estimated value of PHP36.88 million, was intercepted at the cargo hub of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
In Antique, a buy-bust operation led to the arrest of a 38-year-old “high-value individual” who yielded 340 grams of shabu worth over PHP2.3 million. (PNA)
