The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested 995 suspects and fugitives, seized 134 loose firearms and 35 explosives, and confiscated more than P123.5 million worth of evidence during a monthlong nationwide anti-criminality campaign in May.
According to Director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II, CIDG units conducted 870 law enforcement operations nationwide and filed 112 criminal complaints before the National Prosecution Service.
The operations were carried out from May 1 to 31, 2026 in line with the focused program thrust of Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
Most of the arrests were made under Oplan Pagtugis and Salikop, which target wanted persons, fugitives, communist terrorist groups, and criminal groups.
The CIDG said the operations led to the arrest of 605 personalities, including one national most wanted person with a reward, 113 regional most wanted persons, 118 provincial most wanted persons, and 86 city or municipal most wanted persons.
Authorities also arrested one alleged leader and nine alleged members of a communist terrorist group, along with other wanted individuals.
Under Oplan Paglalansag Omega, CIDG personnel implemented 38 search warrants and conducted 41 buy-bust operations for alleged violations of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The operations resulted in the confiscation of 134 firearms, composed of 11 light weapons and 123 small arms. Authorities also seized 35 explosives.
The CIDG said its other law enforcement activities for the month yielded P123,581,821.88 worth of evidence from operations against illicit, counterfeit, trademark-infringing, and substandard products.
These included cellphones, laptops, cigarettes, vape products, food seasoning, cooking oil, used clothing, bags, illicit petroleum products, and items linked to alleged dental malpractice.
The unit also conducted operations related to alleged violations of animal welfare laws, environmental laws, illegal logging, illegal gambling, and illegal mining.
Morico said the May crackdown helped improve public safety by removing firearms, explosives, and other instruments of violence from circulation.
He said the arrest of suspects and fugitives also helped prevent possible crimes and strengthened community safety across the country.
“The CIDG’s focus goes beyond making arrests, accounting unlicensed firearms, and confiscating illicit items,” Morico said.
He said the unit is also focused on careful detection, investigation, and case build-up to ensure that complaints filed in court are strong and can lead to convictions.
“We are working toward the certainty of conviction, with the end goal of helping all victims attain the justice they truly deserve,” Morico added.
The CIDG said it would continue enforcing the law “without fear or favor” as part of its campaign against criminality nationwide.