PNP CORDILLERA SUSTAINS RELENTLESS CAMPAIGN AGAINTS ILLEGAL DRUGS

February 9, 2024 Provincial

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet

The Police Regional Office – Cordillera (PRO- Cor) reported a successful campaign against illegal drugs in 2023, and
assured a sustained relentless drive this year. PRO – Cor Regional Director Major Gen. David Peredo Jr. reported during a recent media forum that the different police units in the region have conducted a total of 581 anti – illegal drug operations that resulted in the confiscation of around P4.6 billion-worth of illegal drugs mostly marijuana and shabu in 2023. The campaign also led to the arrest of 282 pushers, 63 users, and one marijuana cultivator.

Peredo said the PRO-Cor will sustain the relentless campaign against illegal drugs this year making it their priority,
along with operations against the possible threat of terrorist groups and prevention of violent incidents in Cordillera
communities. In terms of peace and order, PRO – Cor Deputy Director for Operations PColonel Elmer Ragay reported lower crime volume in 2023 compared to 2022 figures with the average index monthly crime rate down
from 3.65 percent per 100,000 population (in 2022) to 3.05 percent in 2023.

PRO – Cor also reported significant accomplishments in the campaign against high value and street level individuals, anti – illegal gambling, anti – illegal logging and loose firearms, as well as on the issuance of arrest warrants to wanted individuals. Meanwhile, Peredo affirmed PRO-Cor’s support to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance. He assured enhanced delivery of police service from all the units of the PNP in the Cordillera.

He shared that they had their oath of commitment and pinning of Bagong Pilipinas pin during the Bagong Pilipinas pre – launching on January 24. Peredo, along with Ragay, PRO – Cor Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15 commander Col Ruel Tagel, Bureau of Fire Protection Regional Director FSSupt Robert Pacis, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Regional Director Kenneth Biding and Joint Task Force Group Baguio Executive Officer Lt.Col. Dominador Valerio of the Philippine Army, re-affirmed their support to the Bagong Pilipinas during the kapihan forum on Jan. 30.

(JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)