By Connie Calipay

PRO-5 director Brig. Gen. Nestor Babagay Jr. (Photo courtesy of PRO-5)

LEGAZPI CITY – The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) arrested 400 wanted persons in the region during intensified manhunt operations in September.

PRO-5 director Brig. Gen. Nestor Babagay Jr. said of the total arrests, 10 were Regional Most Wanted Persons, 34 were listed at the provincial level, nine at the city level, 62 at the municipal level, and 285 were categorized as “other wanted criminals.”

The province of Camarines Sur recorded the most number of arrests with 86, followed by Albay with 64, Masbate with 50, Camarines Norte with 38, Sorsogon with 27, Naga City with 13 and Catanduanes with seven.

Babagay lauded the dedication and perseverance of PRO-5 officers in their relentless pursuit of wanted criminals, achieved through intensified intelligence operations, maximum police visibility and community support.

“Our goal is not only to bring criminals to justice but also to protect the public from further harm. These arrests prove that no one can evade the law forever. PRO-5 will remain steadfast in its commitment to uphold peace, safety, and justice for every Bicolano,” Babagay said in a statement.

PRO-5 assured the public that it will continue its proactive operations, further strengthen coordination with partner agencies, and sustain its programs to deliver justice to victims while ensuring a more secure and peaceful Bicol Region. (PNA)