By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested 995 suspects, including most wanted persons and fugitives, and seized PHP123.5 million worth of evidence during operations conducted in May.
In a statement on Thursday, CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II said that under Oplan OLEA (Other Law Enforcement Activities), the CIDG confiscated evidence valued at PHP123.5 million from operations targeting illicit, counterfeit, trademark-infringing, and substandard products, as well as petroleum product pilferage, illegal logging, illegal gambling, and illegal mining, among other offenses.
Morico said 605 of those arrested were wanted persons, including one National Most Wanted Person, 113 Regional Most Wanted Persons, 118 Provincial Most Wanted Persons, and 86 City/Municipal Most Wanted Persons.
Authorities also arrested one leader and nine members of a “communist terrorist group (CTG)”, among others.
Meanwhile, 870 law enforcement operations led to the confiscation of 134 firearms — 11 light weapons and 123 small arms — as well as 35 explosives.
The CIDG also filed 112 criminal complaints before the National Prosecution Service.
The CIDG said the month-long accomplishments underscore the unit’s unwavering campaign against all forms of criminality and law violations, as well as its sustained manhunt operations nationwide.
“The CIDG’s focus goes beyond making arrests, accounting unlicensed firearms, and confiscating illicit items,” Morico said. “The Unit is dedicated to conducting a circumspect detection, circumspect investigation, and case buildup, to ensure the filing of airtight complaints that can stand a leg in court.” (PNA)
