Zamboanga: Operatives of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) arrested 15 fugitives since Jan. 1 during intensified law enforcement operations, an official said Wednesday. In a statement, PRO-9 Director Brig. Gen. Edwin Quilates shared that police units at the regional, provincial, city, and municipal levels conducted focused operations as part of the intensified campaign to locate and apprehend wanted individuals at the start of the year.

According to Philippines News Agency, Brig. Gen. Edwin Quilates noted that the 15 arrested fugitives included five most-wanted persons and 10 other wanted individuals. Quilates attributed the successful arrests to sustained police presence, strengthened coordination among operating units, and the intensified execution of warrants across various jurisdictions in the region.

Quilates emphasized that the intensified campaign is part of PRO-9's ongoing effort to uphold the rule of law and maintain peace and order across the Zamboanga Peninsula. He assured that law enforcement efforts would remain aggressive and intelligence-driven in the coming weeks.

Quilates also encouraged the public to continue supporting the police by promptly reporting any information that might aid in the arrest of wanted individuals hiding in their communities.