Bicol police arrests nearly 2.6K fugitives, 77 NPA rebels in H1

LEGAZPI CITY – The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) reported on Thursday the arrest of 2,590 wanted persons and 77 New People's Army (NPA) members in various operations during the first half of the year.

PRO5 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon said of the total number of arrests from January to June, 11 were those of high-profile individuals listed as most wanted persons with rewards on their heads, while 601 were categorized as most wanted.

The remaining 1,978 apprehended individuals were classified as other wanted persons.

Among all the provinces and independent component cities, Camarines Sur recorded the highest number of arrests with 662 wanted persons, followed by Albay with 463 arrests, and Masbate with 419.

Dizon said the arrests are a testament to the unit's relentless pursuit of criminality.

He added that in the campaign against insurgency, PRO5 arrested 77 NPA members while 88 surrendered and nine were neutralized during police operations, which significantly weakened the operational capabilities of insurgent groups in the region.

The operations launched by the unit led to the confiscation of 110 assorted firearms and 129 explosives.

Dizon added the surrendered rebels have been enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), receiving financial assistance and livelihood training to facilitate their reintegration into society.

He said that aside from the operations implemented, PRO5 intensified its community engagement efforts to encourage lawless elements to surrender.

These initiatives, Dizon said, include regular dialogues with local communities to understand their concerns and promote the benefits of peace and development, as well as partnerships with LGUs to ensure the successful implementation of reintegration programs and the delivery of essential services to former rebels and their communities. (PNA)