LEGAZPI CITY – The campaign of the Police Regional Office-Bicol (PRO5) to step up police presence in public has resulted in a 4.30% decline in crimes in the region last month.
In an interview on Monday, PLt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, PRO5 spokesperson, said 1,448 crimes were recorded for January 2024, lower than the 1,513 recorded cases during the same period in 2023.
“The strategic deployment of personnel during peak hours and the bike patrols are yielding positive results for Bicolanos. The partnership between PRO5 and the local community and collaboration with other law enforcement agencies have been instrumental in driving continuous anti-illegal criminality campaigns,” she said.
Calubaquib said intensified efforts against illegal drugs have led to the seizure of illegal substances worth P14 million along with the arrest of 145 persons involved in drug-related offenses through 119 operations.
On the other hand, 93 operations on loose firearms led to the arrest of 26 persons and the confiscation of 114 assorted firearms.
Meanwhile, 84 illegal gambling operations have also resulted in the confiscation of P96,426 bet money alongside with the arrest of 234 people.
To address environmental concerns, PRO5 launched 14 operations against illegal fishing, resulting in the seizure of fish and fishing gear valued at P328,980, with 50 offenders nabbed. A total of 28 illegal logging operations also led to the confiscation of lumber and flitches worth P117,480.
PRO5’s proactive stance against criminal gangs likewise led to the arrest of four suspects, while two were neutralized, and three others surrendered.
In the fight against insurgency, eight persons were arrested, 11 surrendered and one died in a clash, while nine firearms and six explosive devices were recovered.
A total of 447 wanted persons were captured. (Connie Calipay/PNA)