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Police in Central Visayas arrested nearly 500 suspects and seized over P6.4 million in illegal drugs during a weeklong crackdown from Sept. 20 to 26, 2026, led by PRO 7.
Police in Central Visayas arrested nearly 500 suspects and seized more than P6.4 million worth of illegal drugs during a weeklong, regionwide crackdown against criminality, the Police Regional Office 7 reported. The synchronized operations ran from Sept. 20 to Sept. 26, 2026, targeting drug syndicates, fugitives, unlicensed firearms, and illegal gambling operations across the region.
Drug Busts Lead to Major Seizures
The largest single seizure occurred on Sept. 26, when agents from the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 7 intercepted 28,409.3 grams of dried marijuana leaves valued at P3,415,366. That operation alone accounted for more than half of the total drug haul for the week.
Anti-narcotics operations over the seven-day period led to the arrest of 166 individuals, including six high-value targets. Authorities also confiscated 449.91 grams of methamphetamine, locally known as shabu, valued at P3,059,388.
Combined with the marijuana seizure, the total value of illegal drugs recovered during the crackdown reached over P6.4 million. The figures underscore the scale of the regional effort to disrupt drug supply chains.
Fugitives and Firearms Recovered
Under the command's Oplan Katok program, officers recovered six additional firearms with expired licenses. The program is designed to reduce risks to public safety by taking unlicensed or expired-registration guns off the streets.
Police also apprehended 29 most wanted persons and 127 other fugitives operating with active arrest warrants. The arrests reflect a push to clear pending cases and improve community safety across Central Visayas.
Meanwhile, operations against illegal gambling resulted in the arrest of 130 individuals and the seizure of P15,794 in gambling money. These actions formed part of the broader crackdown on criminality in the region.
Public Cooperation Praised by Police
Brig. Gen. Arnold Abad, PRO 7 director, praised the public for helping police achieve the operation's goals through active community participation. He thanked communities for staying vigilant and for continuing to report suspicious activities to the police.
Abad said that community cooperation helps police act faster and prevent threats before they grow. He asked residents to keep working with authorities, emphasizing that keeping Central Visayas safe is a shared responsibility.
The PRO 7 director also assured the public that Central Visayas will sustain its heightened operations and maintain rapid emergency response capabilities across the region. The weeklong crackdown is part of ongoing efforts to address criminality through coordinated police action and community engagement.
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