P8.5 billion worth of illegal drugs seized in 2021 –PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said it seized P8.5 billion worth of illegal drugs during its operations with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in 2021.

In a statement, the PNP highlighted its accomplishments in the efforts against illegal drugs, terrorism, wanted persons, and loose firearms.

“Police operations against illegal drugs for this year resulted in the arrest of 66,278 drug personalities and the confiscation of illegal drugs with an estimated DDB value of more than P4.653 billion. Additionally, in joint operations with PDEA, more than P8.5 billion,” it said.

The PNP also cited the arrest of Chinese personalities Gao Manzhu, Hong Jianshe, Eddie Tan, and Xu Youhua on September 27 in Zambales where P3.4 billion worth of shabu was confiscated.

On terrorism, the PNP said it engaged in 96 government-initiated encounters that resulted in the deaths of 5,487 persons “identified with terrorist groups”.

At least 1,148 small arms and light weapons were seized from the subjects of the operations, it added.

The PNP emphasized the arrest of Salome Crisostomo-Ujano in November, Ma. Loida Magpatoc in September, and Gavino Manaig Panganiban in August.

Ujano had an outstanding warrant of arrest for rebellion, Magpatoc for murder, while Panganiban had warrants for murder and rebellion. Their arrests have a monetary reward of P5 million, P5.35 million, and P4.5 million, respectively.

On wanted persons, the PNP said 95 personalities were arrested, four were killed, and two surrendered during police operations.

Notable among these was the June 17 arrest of Monteson Ignacio Jr. for homicide, frustrated murder, murder, and attempted carnapping. His arrest had a P550,000 reward.

“In addition, the PNP served Warrants of Arrest on 69,077 other wanted persons, 405 of whom had surrendered and 122 died during police operations,” the PNP said.

On loose firearms, a total of 25,141 small arms and light weapons were seized, 10,503 suspects were arrested, and 4,875 criminal cases were filed in courts.

PNP chief Police General Dionardo Carlos said that the police had performed outstandingly in 2021, and they would continue maintaining peace and order, especially in the coming May 2022 polls.

"Aggressive police operations and other police interventions led to the arrest of lawless elements that somehow reduced the number of crimes that they may have committed," he said. — DVM, GMA News