Pampanga Police Arrest Nine in Coordinated Anti-Drug and Firearms Operations
In a significant crackdown on criminal activities, the Pampanga Police Provincial Office (PPO) conducted a series of operations on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, resulting in the arrest of nine alleged offenders across multiple locations in the province. The operations targeted illegal drugs and loose firearms, leading to substantial seizures and apprehensions.
Detailed Breakdown of Arrests and Seizures
The police operations spanned several towns and cities in Pampanga, each yielding specific results:
- In Guagua town, a buy-bust operation in Barangay San Pedro led to the arrest of two individuals and the confiscation of approximately 3.5 grams of shabu, valued at ₱23,800.
- In the City of San Fernando, a wanted person was apprehended in Barangay Sto. Niño for violating Republic Act 9262, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.
- In Mexico, a drug suspect was captured in Barangay Pandacaqui, with two grams of suspected shabu worth ₱13,600 seized.
- In Mabalacat City, a child in conflict with the law was arrested in Barangay Mabiga under a warrant for drug-related offenses.
- In Sto. Tomas, a wanted person was taken into custody in Barangay San Vicente for violation of Batas Pambansa Blg. 22, commonly known as the bouncing check law.
- In Masantol, a buy-bust operation in Barangay Sta. Lucia Matua resulted in the arrest of a suspected drug pusher and the seizure of 2.10 grams of shabu valued at ₱14,280.
- In Bacolor, another individual was arrested in Barangay San Vicente, with about 2.5 grams of suspected shabu worth ₱17,000 confiscated.
- In Minalin, a drug suspect was apprehended in Barangay San Isidro for handling approximately 3 grams of suspected shabu, estimated at ₱20,400.
Recovery of Firearms and Ammunition
In addition to the drug-related arrests, police reported the recovery of loose firearms and ammunition. In Sto. Tomas, an improvised firearm, locally known as a "sumpak," was voluntarily surrendered. Meanwhile, in Bacolor, another improvised firearm and two 9mm live rounds were discovered and recovered from a vacant lot, further highlighting the scope of the operations.
Official Statement from Police Leadership
Colonel Eugene M. Marcelo, director of the Pampanga PPO, emphasized that these operations are part of an intensified campaign against illegal drugs and loose firearms. He stated, "The series of coordinated operations that led to multiple arrests, the seizure of ₱109,480 worth of suspected shabu, and the recovery of loose firearms mark a significant accomplishment in the province’s law enforcement campaign. Through continued operations, discipline, and teamwork, communities are made safer and more secure."
Overall, the coordinated efforts have resulted in the arrest of nine individuals, the seizure of suspected shabu totaling over ₱109,000 in value, and the recovery of improvised firearms and ammunition, underscoring the police's commitment to maintaining public safety in Pampanga.
