Brigadier General Andre Dizon, the regional director of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Bicol, claimed that P224 million worth of illegal drugs were confiscated from July 1, 2022, to July 31, 2024, during the 11th Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, held at Camp Simeon Ola in Legazpi City.
PNP Bicol executed 2,302 operations targeting illegal drug activities across the region’s six provinces, leading to the arrest of 2,609 suspects and the confiscation of the said amount of illegal drugs, including 31,432.75 grams of marijuana, 20,803.87 grams of shabu, and 300.48 grams of cocaine.
“Our extensive efforts underscore our commitment to combating drug-related crimes and dismantling drug networks in the region,” Dizon said.
Dizon highlighted the P14 million drug seizure in Camarines Norte on February 9, 2024, and the P112 million worth of shabu and marijuana confiscated in Iriga City on February 1, 2024.
PNP Bicol also intensified its crackdown on loose firearms through programs like Oplan Katok and Oplan Boga. During this period, 2,829 operations led to the arrest of 638 individuals and the confiscation of 1,717 assorted firearms. Additionally, 1,784 firearms were voluntarily surrendered.
“By removing these firearms from circulation, we are preventing them from being used in criminal activities,” Dizon emphasized.
CTG arrest efforts
Addressing the threat posed by the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), PNP Bicol efforts resulted in the arrest of 573 CTG members, the surrender of 1,214 members, and the death of 128 individuals. The recovery of 316 firearms and 349 explosives significantly diminished the operational capabilities of these groups.
“The surrendered individuals received support through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which provides aid such as financial assistance, livelihood training, and educational opportunities,” Dizon added.
The dismantling of criminal gangs also yielded notable results, including the neutralization of Gilbert Concepcion, leader of the Concepcion Criminal Gang, on January 24, 2024. Concepcion, known for extortion, gun-for-hire activities, rape, and multiple murders, was listed as Bicol’s most wanted criminal.
PNP Bicol’s community engagement and public safety initiatives, notably through the Revitalized Pulis Sa Barangay (RPSB) program, have been crucial. Since its launch on August 23, 2023, the RPSB has facilitated the surrender of 32 CTG members, the arrest of seven individuals, and the declaration of persona non-grata status for the New People’s Army (NPA) by 31 municipalities.
The program also established 256 functional pro-government people’s organizations and empowered 278 barangay peacekeeping institutions.
“The presence of the RPSB has not only reduced public fear but also opened new opportunities for tourism and economic growth in previously isolated barangays,” Dizon noted.
Under Dizon’s leadership, PNP Bicol has prioritized increasing police visibility through strategic deployments, including motorcycle patrols, bike patrols, and foot patrols. The distribution of 1,325 handheld radios has enhanced communication among municipal and city police stations and mobile forces. Dizon also highlighted the significant police presence at major events and visits by government officials, ensuring comprehensive security coverage.
“These achievements truly attest to the PNP’s commitment to creating a safer Philippines, where the police are dedicated to securing the safety and comfort of every citizen,” Dizon concluded.| Jeric Quidoles