ILOILO City – Fifty-eight persons were arrested in a massive two-day operation by the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO).
According to the IPPO’s Police Operations Management Unit, 58 wanted persons were apprehended from May 24 to 25, including four of the top most wanted.
The Ajuy police station took the highest number of arrests with six wanted persons, while the Estancia police station took in five, and Barotac Viejo four.
Thirty-five firearms with ammunitions were also accounted for by the police.
Reports show the town of San Joaquin had the highest number of surrendered firearms, with 21 units.
“Our police are doing well despite that they are busy in implementing the quarantine protocols to their area of responsibility. We are intensifying our campaign against loose firearms and wanted persons. We want to zero-in them in order to prevent from from making crimes and operating in the province since election is fast approaching,” said Police Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert Gorero.
He said there is a possibility these wanted persons might form guns-for hire or robbery groups, a reason for the IPPO to continue locating the whereabouts of these wanted persons and those carrying illegal firearms.
Gorero is hoping more wanted persons will be arrested and the number of firearms surrendered or seized increase after one week of police operations.
This is in line with the “Birada Semana” program which focuses on wanted persons, loose firearms, illegal drugs and illegal gambling.
“We will not lower our guards against these wanted persons and those who are possessing firearms. Our men continue to monitor persons with warrants.”/PN
