P15-M drugs seized, 12 suspects nabbed in Bicol weekend operations

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- More than PHP15 million worth of illegal drugs were confiscated and 12 drug personalities were arrested in a series of coordinated anti-drug operations conducted over the weekend.

Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) Director Brig. Gen. Erosito Miranda said authorities seized 2.2 kilograms of shabu worth an estimated PHP15.08 million and 2 grams of marijuana valued at PHP240 during eight anti-drug operations across the Bicol Region.

In Albay, four operations led to the arrest of seven drug personalities, including three high-value individuals and four street-level individuals.

Among the operations, the biggest accomplishment was recorded in Legazpi City on Sunday, where authorities confiscated illegal drugs worth PHP6.8 million and arrested two alleged drug peddlers from Bacoor, Cavite, who were believed to be supplying illegal drugs in the Bicol Region.

In Camarines Norte, anti-drug operatives on Saturday arrested two high-value individuals and seized illegal drugs worth PHP8.1 million, considered among the province’s biggest anti-drug accomplishments this year.

Authorities also conducted two successful operations in Camarines Sur, arresting two street-level individuals and confiscating PHP13,056 worth of illegal drugs.

Miranda commended the operating units for their unwavering commitment and aggressive stance against illegal drugs, emphasizing that the accomplishment reflects the region’s intensified operational capability and strong law enforcement collaboration.

"This accomplishment sends a powerful message that PRO-5 remains aggressive, relentless, and uncompromising in the fight against illegal drugs," he said.

"Our police operatives will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations to dismantle drug networks and arrest individuals who continue to destroy lives and communities through illegal drugs.”

Meanwhile, The top 10 most wanted persons in the Bicol Region were arrested in a series of police operations in May, the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) reported on Monday.

PRO-5 director Brig. Gen. Erosito Miranda said the arrested individuals were linked to heinous crimes, including murder, rape, qualified rape, statutory rape, attempted rape, and acts of lasciviousness, underscoring the gravity of the cases pursued by operating units.

“This is a victory for the victims and their families who have long sought justice. PRO-5 will continue to intensify its operations against wanted persons and criminal elements as part of our duty to maintain peace, order, and public safety in the Bicol Region,” Miranda said in a statement.

Among those arrested was “Joe,” who faces a non-bailable murder charge. The suspect, who is from Sorsogon, was apprehended in Cavite on May 5, 2026. Meanwhile, “Ric,” 47, the region’s No. 2 most wanted person and also charged with murder, was arrested on May 11.

Also arrested were “Dan,” who had been hiding in Zamboanga for four years and is facing murder charges; “Ninoy,” the No. 4 most wanted person who is also charged with murder; and “Jose,” who was arrested for three counts of rape.

Further operations led to the arrest of “Erald,” the No. 6 most wanted person, who faces two counts of rape and acts of lasciviousness; “Ron,” ranked No. 7, charged with acts of lasciviousness and qualified rape; “Thor,” ranked No. 8, charged with attempted rape and qualified rape; “Gio,” ranked No. 9, charged with acts of lasciviousness and statutory rape; and “Bert,” ranked No. 10, charged with qualified rape.

Miranda commended the operating units for their dedication, discipline, and operational effectiveness, saying the accomplishment reflects the police force’s strong resolve to uphold justice and protect the public.

Authorities assured the public that PRO-5 would continue its intensified manhunt operations against other wanted persons as part of its commitment to justice and safer communities in Bicol. (PNA)