By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) on Monday said it arrested close to 11,000 wanted persons, confiscated more than 1,400 loose firearms, and seized PHP3.3 billion worth of evidence in anti-crime operations in 2024.
During the celebration of CIDG’s 72nd founding anniversary at Camp Crame, CIDG chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said a total of 13,349 law enforcement operations were conducted last year that resulted in the arrest of 10,797 wanted persons, seizure of 1,439 loose firearms, and confiscation of PHP3,361,432,558.24 worth of evidence.
The CIDG solved 2,729 cases in 2024, and maintained high efficiency in addressing crimes with 99.50 percent recorded for the crime clearance efficiency and 85.92 percent for crime solution efficiency, Torre added.
To keep their momentum going, Torre said the CIDG would continue to refine and implement strategies to enhance its relevance and effectiveness in law enforcement.
He also vowed to strengthen inter-agency cooperation with law enforcement partners, local government units, and international organizations to tackle transnational crimes and foster seamless intelligence sharing.
Torre blasts rumor
Meanwhile, in an interview, Torre said he would file a cyberlibel complaint against persons who are spreading a rumor online that he was hospitalized.
He dismissed the rumor and called photos supposedly showing him in a hospital “fake.”
“Kapag nakaluwag-luwag na ko, ‘yung mga nag-post na ako’y naospital, nagkasakit (When I find the time, those who posted that I was sick and hospitalized), I’m going to file cyberlibel cases against them. Ang tinatamaan ay pamilya ko, hindi lang sa personal kundi sa mga colleagues ko din. Hindi na tumigil ang aking cellphone: get well, get well, anong nangyari sa ‘yo (It’s not only me who’s affected but my family and colleagues as well. My cellphone kept ringing. They kept asking me what happened, am I alright),” Torre said.
The CIDG chief identified former broadcaster Jay Sonza as among those who are allegedly spreading the rumor.
“I would like to bring them to court. I’m going to file cases against them,” Torre said.
Torre earlier filed an inciting to sedition complaint against former Philippine Army captain Clemente Enrique before the Department of Justice over the former soldier’s alleged calls to help topple the government.
The complaint cited copies of videos posted by Enrique on various online platforms. (PNA)
