CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – In its intensified efforts to maintain peace and order, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) recorded a week of significant operational gains across Central Luzon, resulting in the arrest of over 220 individuals in anti-drug operations and 163 wanted persons, including several most wanted fugitives.
From June 29 to July 5, PRO3, under the leadership of Acting Regional Director Police Brigadier General Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr., conducted 141 anti-illegal drug operations, leading to the arrest of 222 drug suspects. The operations also yielded ₱8.56 million worth of illegal drugs, including 1,086.28 grams of shabu, 3,283.85 grams of dried marijuana leaves, and 520 grams of kush.
In addition to its anti-drug campaign, PRO3 launched intensified manhunt operations that resulted in the arrest of 163 wanted individuals — 121 of whom were listed as Most Wanted, while 42 were classified as Other Wanted Persons. Authorities hailed this as a major step in ensuring fugitives are held accountable for their crimes.
Crackdowns on illegal possession of firearms also saw progress. In 15 operations, 14 individuals were apprehended and a total of 31 assorted short firearms were confiscated or recovered.
Meanwhile, the region’s efforts against illegal gambling led to 11 operations, resulting in the arrest of 40 individuals and the seizure of ₱15,974 in cash bets. These operations disrupted illegal gambling dens operating in various localities across the region.
Peñones commended the operating units for their relentless pursuit of criminal elements and emphasized the importance of public cooperation in maintaining law and order.
“These accomplishments are a clear reflection of our sustained and intensified campaign against criminality in all forms,” said Peñones. “We owe it to the public to maintain peace and order across Central Luzon through swift and strategic operations. I commend our personnel for their relentless efforts and urge our communities to continue supporting our programs, especially as we advance our goals under the Chief PNP’s 5-Minute Response Strategy.”
The PRO3 chief reaffirmed the command’s commitment to fostering a safer and more secure Central Luzon through proactive policing, community engagement, and intelligence-driven law enforcement.
As criminality continues to evolve, PRO3 vowed to remain steadfast in its mission to protect the public and deliver justice with urgency and resolve.