In a robust crackdown on crime, the Negros Oriental police detained over 1,000 suspects during a three-day operation spanning November 15 to 17, 2024. The intensive campaign targeted a range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, illegal gambling, and the possession of unregistered firearms.
Lt. Stephen Polinar, the spokesperson for the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO), reported that the operations, known as Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations (SACLEO), included 14 drug busts that resulted in 14 arrests and the seizure of 45.14 grams of shabu, valued at approximately PHP307,000 on the street.
Additionally, 19 operations against illegal gambling led to the arrest of 38 individuals and the confiscation of PHP3,553 in betting money. The police also focused on apprehending wanted individuals, capturing five ‘most wanted’ persons and 49 others in 54 operations.
Efforts to curb the circulation of loose firearms were successful, with 44 guns either surrendered or seized. Under the Oplan Katok initiative, which promotes responsible gun ownership, two firearms were voluntarily deposited for safekeeping.
A significant number of arrests, totaling 951, were made for various ordinance violations across different municipalities and cities.
Lt. Polinar emphasized that this was the second SACLEO conducted in Negros Oriental, following directives from the Philippine National Police to escalate the battle against illegal drugs, corruption, terrorism, gambling, loose firearms, and other criminal activities.