CAGAYAN de Oro City — A weeklong police crackdown across Northern Mindanao led to 217 arrests and more than ₱11.4 million worth of illegal drugs and other contraband seized, Police Regional Office 10 said Monday. 

The operations from September 3 to 9 focused on illegal drugs, wanted persons, loose firearms, illegal gambling, smuggled cigarettes and illegal mining. 

The results were presented during PRO-10’s flag-raising and awarding ceremony on September 14 at Camp 1Lt. Vicente G. Alagar in Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City, led by Regional Director PBGen. Nestor C. Babagay Jr. 

Drug operations lead crackdown 

Anti-drug operations accounted for the biggest haul. 

Police conducted 82 operations, arrested 105 people, and seized 997.156 grams of shabu with an estimated value of ₱6,780,660.80 based on the standard drug price. 

Three police personnel were also recognized for notable anti-drug operations. 

PSSg Jessie James A. Garcia was cited for a September 5 buy-bust in Barangay Camaman-an, Cagayan de Oro City, that led to the arrest of a suspect and the seizure of 104 grams of shabu worth ₱710,000. 

PCpl Mike Wilson III C. Sabellina was recognized for a September 4 operation in the same barangay that resulted in the arrest of a suspect and seizure of 110 grams of shabu worth ₱748,000. 

Pat Jim Bryan O. Abella was cited for a September 5 operation in Barangay Balulang that resulted in the arrest of a high-value individual and seizure of 220 grams of shabu worth ₱1.495 million. 

Wanted persons, firearms targeted 

Police also arrested 79 wanted persons, including 23 Most Wanted Persons, during the week.

Among those recognized for the arrests were PLtCol Mark Kenneth S. Salvacion, PMaj Mohammad H. Bantuas, PMaj Richmond R. Itcay and Pat Jennifer P. Gabonada. 

Salvacion arrested the vice mayor of Marantao, Lanao del Sur, who was listed as a regional Top 4, provincial Top 3 and municipal Top 1 Most Wanted Person in connection with murder and frustrated murder cases. 

Bantuas arrested a regional Top 6 Most Wanted Person wanted for statutory rape and sexual assault in Iligan City. 

Itcay arrested a regional Top 10, provincial Top 1 and municipal Top 1 Most Wanted Person wanted for rape in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija. 

Gabonada arrested a regional Top 4, provincial Top 6 and municipal Top 6 Most Wanted Person wanted for two counts of qualified rape and acts of lasciviousness in Kitaotao, Bukidnon. 

Four personnel received the Medalya ng Kagalingan for these arrests. 

Meanwhile, 63 firearms were recovered, surrendered or confiscated in 63 Kontra Boga operations, which also resulted in eight arrests. 

Gambling, cigarettes and mining 

Police conducted eight anti-illegal gambling operations that resulted in 16 arrests and the seizure of gambling items worth ₱5,341. 

Another 52 operations against smuggled cigarettes led to the seizure of cigarettes worth ₱463,950. 

Anti-illegal mining operations also resulted in nine arrests and the confiscation of mineral ores and heavy equipment estimated at ₱4.197 million. 

Three personnel received the Medalya ng Kadakilaan for their anti-drug accomplishments.

During the ceremony, Babagay said the results showed PRO-10’s continued efforts to maintain peace and order in Northern Mindanao. 

“We will not allow illegal activities to gain ground,” he said.