The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday said it would sustain intelligence-driven anti-drug operations nationwide following a series of coordinated raids and seizures that led to the recovery of more than P61 million worth of illegal drugs.
PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the latest operations demonstrated the police organization’s continuing effort to intensify its campaign against illegal narcotics while ensuring that all actions remain within the bounds of the law.
“The instruction is to conduct relentless operations while making sure that police operational procedures are strictly followed and the rule of law, particularly on human rights, are fully respected,” Nartatez said.
Police said the anti-drug operations were conducted on May 16 in several parts of the country, resulting in major confiscations of suspected cocaine and shabu, as well as the arrest of multiple suspects.
In Quezon province, authorities recovered around 6.5 kilograms of suspected cocaine valued at more than P34.5 million after a fisherman reported discovering sealed plastic bags along the shoreline.
Meanwhile, a buy-bust operation in Negros Oriental led to the arrest of a high-value individual and the confiscation of more than one kilogram of suspected shabu estimated to be worth nearly P7 million.
Separate anti-drug operations in Bacolod City resulted in the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of about one kilogram of suspected shabu valued at P6.8 million.
In Zamboanga City, police also recovered around two kilograms of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P13.6 million.
Nartatez emphasized that all seized evidence from the operations had been properly documented and turned over to the appropriate authorities for laboratory examination and case preparation.
According to the PNP chief, the police force remains committed to conducting lawful and professional operations in line with the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla to uphold integrity and accountability within the organization.
“Our focus on observing the proper rules and procedures is intended both to protect all our personnel and ensure that we will have a high conviction rate through strong case build-up,” Nartatez said.
The PNP also acknowledged the role of civilians in helping authorities combat illegal drugs through information-sharing and cooperation, saying public participation has strengthened efforts to identify and dismantle drug networks operating in different regions.