17/02/2026
PNP SCORES ₱5.2M ILLEGAL DRUG SEIZURE, 35 FI****MS RECOVERED, 434 ARRESTED IN CENTRAL VISAYAS
A week of sustained police operations in Central Visayas has led to the confiscation of ₱5.2 million worth of illegal drugs, the recovery of 35 fi****ms, and the arrest of 434 individuals in a single week of intensified operations, underscoring the Philippine National Police’s continuing campaign against criminality.
Under the leadership of Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., the PNP directed intensified intelligence-driven actions from February 8 to 14, 2026, focusing on illegal drugs, wanted persons, illegal gambling, and firearm law violators.
Anti- illegal drug operations conducted in various areas across Central Visayas resulted in the confiscation of illegal drugs amounting to ₱5,231,036.00. Authorities seized 769.27 grams of shabu valued at ₱5,230,036.00 and one (1) gram of dried ma*****na leaves valued at ₱1,000.00 during buy-bust operations and search warrant implementations. A total of 196 drug suspects were arrested, including six High-Value Individuals and 190 newly identified drug personalities, weakening the presence of illegal drug activities in the region.
Manhunt operations also recorded significant gains with the arrest of 12 Most Wanted Persons—two at the regional level, seven at the provincial level, and three at the municipal level. In addition, 128 other wanted individuals were apprehended during the same period, reinforcing the campaign to ensure that those facing criminal charges are brought before the courts.
In the drive against illegal gambling, 73 individuals were arrested for involvement in unlawful number games, cara y cruz, card games, and illegal cockfighting. Meanwhile, enforcement of firearm laws resulted in the confiscation of 35 fi****ms and the arrest of 25 individuals for related violations, reducing the circulation of loose fi****ms that pose threats to community safety.
PGEN Nartatez stressed that the results reflect sustained operational focus and discipline. “Our message is clear: criminal activities will be met with decisive police action. We will continue to dismantle drug networks and seize illegal fi****ms wherever they are found. Hindi kami titigil sa pagpapatupad ng batas at sa pagprotekta sa mamamayan,” he said. “These accomplishments show that our units remain committed to delivering results on the ground. Patuloy ang aming aksyon laban sa lahat ng uri ng krimen.”
He further emphasized accountability and consistency in enforcement. “Every operation is guided by intelligence and lawful procedures to ensure that offenders are arrested and evidence is secured. Sisiguraduhin namin na mananagot ang mga lumalabag sa batas,” PGEN Nartatez added.
These developments are anchored on the PNP Focused Agenda—its strategic framework for transformation—particularly the priority on Enhanced Managing Police Operations, ensuring that enforcement efforts are sustained, intelligence-based, and outcome-driven in safeguarding communities.
As the PNP strengthens its campaign against illegal drugs, fugitives, illegal gambling, and loose fi****ms under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., it continues to assure the public of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman.”
(PNP-PIO)
