By Jason De Asis
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – Central Luzon’s No. 3 most wanted person and a high-value drug suspect were arrested by the regional police in back-to-back operations.
A report issued by the Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 (Central Luzon) on Saturday said the region’s No. 3 most wanted, 70-year-old American national, Delbert Leroy III Fern, was arrested by Angeles City Police operatives in Barangay Malabanias, Angeles City, Pampanga at about 4 p.m. on Thursday.
Fern was apprehended based on a warrant of arrest for human trafficking, in violation of Republic Act (RA) 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended by RA 10364, or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
The warrant of arrest for three criminal cases was issued by Judge Ireneo Pineda Pangilinan of Branch 59, Regional Trial Court, 3rd Judicial Region in Angeles City, with no bail recommended.
Meanwhile, at about 8 p.m. on the same day, the Special Drug Enforcement Unit of the Olongapo City Police’s Station 3, launched a buy-bust operation that led to the arrest of high-value individual drug suspect alias Marvin in Barangay New Asinan, Olongapo City.
Confiscated from the suspect were 65 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of PHP442,000, according to the Dangerous Drugs Board.
PRO-3 Director, Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, commended the operatives for their swift and decisive actions, underscoring the region’s intensified campaign against crime and illegal drugs.
“These arrests demonstrate our firm resolve to uphold public safety and bring criminals to justice. PRO-3 remains steadfast in its mission to dismantle criminal networks and rid Central Luzon of illegal activities. We will not stop until our communities are secure,” Fajardo said. (PNA)
