Operatives of PRO-7 seize ₧13M worth of drugs in Cebu
AWEEK after a combined task force to lead the war on illegal drugs for the entire Cebu Province started operations, the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) captured almost 2 kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu” worth P13 million, and arrested more than 100 drug suspects, Chief Brig. Gen. Roderick Alba said.
In a statement, Alba announced that from December 9 to 15, PRO-7 operatives seized 1,918.60 grams of shabu with a standard drug price value of P13,046,480.00, and simultaneously arrested 119 individuals.
The creation of the One-cebu Inter-agency Interdiction Task Force, the official claimed, is a huge advantage to the Philippine National Police organization, the goals of which are aligned with those of Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia’s all-out war on drugs and strengthening border security through enhanced collaboration and cooperation among government agencies and stakeholders which all aim for a peaceful, orderly and progressive Central Visayas community.
The One Cebu Inter-agency Interdiction Task Force was activated on December 7 by the Cebu Provincial Government, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, along with national government and local officials that would strengthen collaboration across agencies, while continuously curtailing the entry and proliferation of illegal drugs in Central Visayas.
“I am grateful to the Cebu Provincial Government and to Governor…garcia—[the province’s drug czar—]for the pouring of support to ‘Team PNP Region 7,’” Alba stated. “We will continue to intensify border-protection measures and better policing strategies against the proliferation of illegal drugs in the region.”
Alba, meanwhile, reported that the local celebrations of the first day of Misa de Gallo on Friday were “generally peaceful,” with no major incidents reported in the area.
“The first of the nine-day dawn masses celebrated in all Catholic churches, and with the relentless efforts of the police force of Team PNP Region 7, was manageable and peaceful with the help of other government agencies, local security teams, and volunteer groups,” he added. “As we plan, we shape good decisions. I commend my men on the ground for their dedication and diligence in ensuring that all…preparations are organized and focused 100 percent.”
Alba said a total of 3,339 personnel will be deployed to boost patrols in different areas of convergence in the region.
Millions are expected to troop to their hometowns and take advantage of the long Christmas break for vacation. In Central Visayas, Cebu and Bohol are popular tourist hubs.