NegOcc tops arrests on wanted persons, illegal drugs, illegal gambling

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) scored the most number of arrests and operations during Police Regional Office (PRO)’s Birada Semana.

For the month of February, the Birada Semana (a weeklong enhanced-managing police operations (E-MPO) and focused police operation on anti-criminality, wanted persons, illegal drugs, and illegal gambling) ran from February 22 to 26.

Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) had the most number of arrested other wanted persons (OWP) at 82 while the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) is at second with 45.

Iloilo PPO collared the most number of most wanted persons (MWP) at 20 while NOCPPO trailed behind with 12.

NOCPPO personnel also conducted the most number of operations for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) with 26 operations and 34 arrested persons.

IPPO and the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) conducted 11 operations.

All PRO-6 units confiscated 1,119.3 grams of shabu worth P6,987,026.

On illegal gambling, NOCPPO again conducted the most number of operations and arrested persons at 31 and 108, respectively.

BCPO launched 8 operations that led to the arrest of 23 persons while IPPO conducted 7 operations and arrested 25 persons.

Negros Occidental cops also made the most number of operations on violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and RA 9516 (Unlawful Manufacture, Sales, Acquisition, Disposition, Importation or Possession of an Explosive or Incendiary Device) with 6 while IPPO conducted 4 operations.

Brigadier General Leo Francisco, Western Visayas police chief, has underscored the significant impact of ‘Birada Semana” in the reduction of crime incidents.

He said they have seen its importance in curbing criminality in the region.