TACLOBAN CITY — A total of 654 individuals were arrested and more than P1.2 million worth of illegal drugs were seized during weeklong anti-criminality operations conducted across Eastern Visayas, police said.
The Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations (Sacleo), held from June 19 to 25, 2025, was carried out by the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) as part of its intensified efforts to combat illegal drugs and other crimes in the region.
“This is proof that your police force in Eastern Visayas won’t slow down when it comes to protecting our people,” said PRO-8 director Brigadier General Jay Cumigad. “What we achieved here reflects how serious our people are in doing their job. By working closely together, we were able to stop crimes and make our communities safer.”
Among those apprehended were 116 wanted persons, including three identified as most wanted, while 497 others were caught for violations of special laws such as illegal logging, gambling, and illegal fishing.
The operations led to the confiscation of 189.38 grams of suspected shabu and 8.14 grams of dried marijuana leaves. Authorities also seized P20,383 in cash believed to be drug money, three firearms, and 19 vehicles and motorcycles used in criminal activities.
The Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU) and the Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) were cited as top contributors in the anti-drug campaign, seizing 73 grams and 95.56 grams of shabu, respectively.
The Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office (ESPPO) recorded the highest number of arrests with 247 individuals nabbed, mostly for violations of special laws and local ordinances.
General Cumigad assured the public that similar operations will continue. “These efforts are part of our continuing commitment to community-based policing and public safety,” he said.
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