03/08/2026
PNP STEPS UP NATIONWIDE OPERATIONS; DESTROYS ₱15.9-M WORTH OF MA*****NA, NETS 18 MOST WANTED PERSONS
The Philippine National Police (PNP) sustained its intensified nationwide law enforcement campaign on August 1, resulting in the destruction of approximately ₱15.9 million worth of ma*****na plants in Kalinga and the arrest of 18 Most Wanted Persons (MWPs) facing various criminal charges in separate operations across the country.
In Tinglayan, Kalinga, joint operating teams from the PNP Drug Enforcement Group, Kalinga Police Provincial Office, Police Regional Office Cordillera, PNP Special Action Force, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and other partner units conducted simultaneous ma*****na eradication operations in Barangays Loccong and Buscalan.
The teams uprooted and destroyed on-site around 79,500 fully grown ma*****na plants with a combined Standard Drug Price (SDP) of ₱15.9 million. No cultivators were apprehended, and follow-up operations are underway to identify those responsible.
On the same day, police units nationwide successfully served warrants against 18 Most Wanted Persons, including individuals listed at the national, regional, and provincial levels. Those arrested face charges that include murder, r**e, qualified r**e, statutory r**e, qualified theft, violations of Republic Act No. 9165, acts of lasciviousness, and sexual assault. All arrested individuals were placed under the custody of the operating units for proper legal proceedings.
These accomplishments reflect the PNP's continuing implementation of its Focused Agenda, particularly under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, through intelligence-driven and coordinated law enforcement efforts in support of the peace and security initiatives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Chief, PNP, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the operating units for their dedication and professionalism in carrying out simultaneous operations across the country.
"Ang bawat matagumpay na operasyon ay bunga ng maayos na koordinasyon, masusing intelligence work, at dedikasyon ng ating mga kapulisan. Patuloy nating hahabulin ang mga lumalabag sa batas habang tinitiyak na ang lahat ng ating operasyon ay isinasagawa nang may paggalang sa karapatang pantao at sa umiiral na batas," PGen Nartatez said.
He added, "Whether it is preventing illegal drugs from reaching our communities or bringing wanted persons before the courts, our mission remains the same—to keep our communities safe and uphold the rule of law. We will sustain these efforts in close partnership with other law enforcement agencies and the public."
The PNP reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening law enforcement operations nationwide as it advances the vision of Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.
(PNP-PIO)