CAMP GENERAL ALEJO S. SANTOS, Bulacan – A series of police operations across Bulacan led to the arrest of 20 individuals, including a most wanted fugitive, suspected drug dealers, gun law violators, and illegal gamblers, authorities reported Monday.

According to Bulacan Police Provincial Office (PPO) Director PCol. Satur L. Ediong, the daylong crackdown on February 17 targeted various criminal activities, resulting in multiple arrests and the confiscation of illegal drugs, firearms, and gambling paraphernalia.

Among those arrested were two individuals facing charges under the Omnibus Election Code, a homicide suspect listed as the top most wanted at the municipal level, five drug suspects, seven other wanted persons, and five illegal gamblers.

Drug Busts and Gun Law Violations

Anti-narcotics operations conducted by the Station Drug Enforcement Units in Hagonoy, Marilao, Guiguinto, and Obando led to the arrest of seven drug suspects. Police seized 13 sachets of suspected shabu valued at Php 35,140, two unregistered .38 caliber revolvers without serial numbers, four live rounds of ammunition, and marked money.

The arrested suspects and confiscated evidence were turned over to the Bulacan Provincial Forensic Unit for further examination. Criminal complaints for violating Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act) and Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act), in relation to election law violations, are being prepared for filing.

Most Wanted Fugitive Nabbed

A manhunt operation by the Marilao Municipal Police Station resulted in the arrest of a homicide suspect identified as alias “Nino,” a 29-year-old resident of Barangay Poblacion, Marilao. He was apprehended based on a warrant issued by Malolos Regional Trial Court Branch 121 Presiding Judge Elenita N.E. Macatangay-Alviar on January 22, 2025. The court recommended bail of Php 120,000.

Meanwhile, coordinated manhunt operations by tracker teams from CIDG, San Jose del Monte, Meycauayan, Bulacan 1st PMFC, Santa Maria, and Norzagaray police stations led to the arrest of seven other wanted individuals.

Illegal Gambling Crackdown

San Jose del Monte City Police arrested five suspects caught playing the illegal betting game cara y cruz. Authorities confiscated betting money and gambling paraphernalia.

Sustained Police Operations

PCol. Ediong emphasized that the Bulacan PNP remains committed to its intensified anti-criminality campaign, aligning with the directives of PBGen. Jean S. Fajardo, regional director of PRO 3, to ensure public safety, particularly in preparation for the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.

File photo: Bulacan Provincial Police Office