Dumaguete: Police in Negros Oriental seized more than PHP15 million in smuggled cigarettes and PHP2 million in suspected shabu in August, an official said on Tuesday. Capt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson for the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO), stated during an online press briefing that the accomplishments are the result of intensified police operations across the province.
According to Philippines News Agency, Polinar also announced an addition to NOrPPO's focus areas, prioritizing operations against illegal smuggling, which appears to be becoming rampant in recent months. 'It is a directive from the PRO-NIR (Police Regional Office - Negros Island Region) because we see the vulnerability of Negros Oriental as a transit point, coming from Mindanao, or from Luzon to Mindanao,' Polinar said.
He mentioned that 51 anti-smuggling operations were conducted last month, resulting in five arrests and the confiscation of more than PHP15.5 million worth of smuggled cigarettes. Polinar explained that cigarette smuggling poses a threat to the local economy and public health.
Regarding illegal drugs, the police confiscated suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP2.2 million, arresting four high-value targets and 57 street-level suspects across 59 operations. The campaign against illegal gambling resulted in 71 arrests across 40 operations, although the bet money collected was minimal at PHP13,000. Polinar noted that the majority of illegal gambling activities were on 'swertres' or the illegal version of the Small Time Lottery authorized by the government.
The police also arrested 165 most wanted persons at the regional, provincial, and city/municipal levels, and 118 other wanted persons. Regarding loose firearms, 51 operations were conducted, resulting in 11 arrests and 16 firearms confiscated. Polinar reported that 29 other firearms were surrendered, and 15 others were deposited with the police for safekeeping pending renewal of their expired permits and licenses.
Meanwhile, 8,315 individuals were issued citations for violations of local ordinances, especially those related to the government's 'safe spaces' campaign, while 295 motor vehicles were also impounded.
