CIDG: Over 1,800 arrested in intensified ops in February

A total of 1,886 suspects, wanted persons, and criminals have been arrested in the intensified police operations in February, the Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said Wednesday.

In a statement, the CIDG said of the total arrested persons, 459 are foreigners including 429 who are allegedly involved in illegal operations of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) and internet gaming licensees (IGLs).

CIDG chief Police Major General Nicolas Torre III said 1,047 law enforcement operations were conducted.

The CIDG operations in February focused on the following issues:

• Wanted persons and fugitives
• Loose firearms and explosives
• Criminal gang members
• Fake medical doctors and practitioners
• Illegal gambling
• Environmental crimes
• Counterfeiting
• Illicit manufacturing and cross filling of LPG products
• Smuggled cigarettes
• Infringed footwear
• Adulterated cooking oil
• Illegal practice of medicine
• Illegal POGO/IGLs operations

Confiscated were 128 firearms; 9,015 explosives; assorted magazines; and 1,708 rounds of assorted ammunition. Other pieces of evidence worth around P195,539,453 were also seized.

The CIDG said it intensified its efforts against criminals, wanted persons, and fugitives to improve crime prevention and solution efficiency of the police force. This move also aims to ensure a safe and peaceful conduct of the upcoming May 2025 elections.

Torre also commended the efforts of his personnel in these operations.

"I assure the Filipino people and the public that your CIDG is steadfast, unwavering and watching everywhere to enforce the law, prevent and solve crimes, capture criminals and fugitives, and  resolute in seeking the truth to put all criminals and offenders behind bars to help all victims attain the justice they deserve," Torre said. --VAL, GMA Integrated News