CAMP COL. RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – The Police Regional Office-13 reported on Wednesday, Sept. 3, the arrest of 83 individuals for illegal gambling in the Caraga region from Aug. 1 to Sept. 2.
The PRO-13 Regional Operations Division (ROD) said 41 were arrested in Surigao provinces, 32 in Agusan provinces, five in Dinagat Islands, and another five in Butuan City.
“Our operating police force also seized a total of ₱30,510 in gambling proceeds during the month-long operations,” PRO 13-Regional Public Information Office (RPIO) chief Police Major Jennifer S. Ometer said.
Suspects face appropriate charges.
PRO-13 Director Police Brig. Gen. Marcial Mariano P. Magistrado IV ordered police to step up the campaign against illegal gambling in the region.
“These arrests reinforce our intensified efforts against illegal gambling and other illicit activities in the region.”
Illegal drugs valued at P22.8 million were recovered in Northern Mindanao or Region 10 in August, police said.
Two-hundred eight-six suspected drug pushers were apprehended.
“Our ground troops conducted 237 operations that also resulted in the neutralization of some barangays from illicit drug trade in the region,” said Police Regional Office 10-Regional Public Information Office (PRO 10-RPIO) chief Police Major Joan G. Navarro.
Suspects face drug-related cases.
PRO 10 Director Police Brig. Gen. Rolindo M. Suguilon commended lawmen for their relentless efforts in making the region drug-free.
Navarro said 297 wanted persons were arrested in the region last month.
The Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing on Wednesday announced that 256 barangays in Northern Mindanao are drug-cleared and drug-free.
Suguilon said this is proof of the government’s continuing success in curbing illegal drugs on the grassroots level.
Drug-free barangays have no identified drug personalities and have undergone verification process to maintain that classification, while drug-cleared barangays are those with identified drug personalities after complying with the standards set under the Barangay Drug Clearing Program (BDCP).