Calabarzon crackdown nets 159 criminal suspects

MANILA, Philippines—Over 150 individuals were nabbed last week in region-wide operations to stamp out crime in the Calabarzon region, a police official said Tuesday.

Chief Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao Jr., police director of the Calabarzon, said a total of 159 suspects were arrested for various crimes in the region that is composed of the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.

Pagdilao stated that they caught 59 wanted persons in the week-long drive, including Anthony Geronimo, who ranked 7th in the most wanted list in Lumban, Laguna.

The regional police chief said they also arrested 52 persons engaged in the trade of illegal drugs; 12 were suspected drug pushers while 40 were users.

Police recovered 3.39 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu,” 1.91 grams of marijuana and 0.5 grams of cocaine with a combined value of P28,551.

Calabarzon police also swooped down on those carrying loose firearms, arresting eight and confiscating eleven firearms. Efforts against illegal gambling resulted in the arrest of 36 violators, said Pagdilao.

Four were arrested for car jacking and two vehicles were recovered, added the police chief.

Pagdilao promised a relentless pursuit against criminals in the region as part of their anti-crime drive.