BAGUIO CITY — A total of 184 wanted persons were nabbed in intensified manhunt operations, while 66 drug personalities were arrested in anti-illegal drug operations from April 1 to July 22, 2026, according to a report by the Baguio City Police Office.
The accomplishment data was presented by BCPO City Director Police Col. Ruel Tagel during the third quarter joint meeting of the City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) and the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC), held on July 28.
Tagel attributed the increase to the intensified operations against wanted persons and the continuous efforts of law enforcement units to locate and apprehend individuals with pending warrants, whether inside or outside the city.
He said that while the number of most wanted persons arrested decreased compared to last year, the BCPO continues to strengthen intelligence monitoring, target profiling, and coordinated operations to facilitate the capture of priority fugitives.
In the anti-drug campaign, Tagel said, the operations resulted in the confiscation of 105.06 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of P752,060.80.
Tagel noted that the number of anti-illegal drug operations conducted during that period increased by 18 compared to the same period last year, reflecting the BCPO’s intensified efforts against the illegal drug trade in the city.
The campaign also led to the destruction of five marijuana plants, further demonstrating the police’s continued efforts to crack down on the distribution and cultivation of illegal drugs.
Tagel explained that the ongoing law enforcement operations have contributed to the increase in non-index crime incidents, as violations of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and Republic Act No. 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Law are classified as offenses under special laws.
The campaign against loose firearms, which reported an increase in operations conducted from 47 to 49, resulted in the recovery, confiscation, or surrender of 49 firearms.
Tagel said the increase in the number of firearms removed from circulation reflects the effectiveness of the city’s intensified law enforcement initiatives in reducing the potential use of loose firearms in the commission of crimes.
The BCPO continues to strengthen checkpoint operations, intelligence monitoring, and public awareness campaigns to promote responsible gun ownership and ensure compliance with Republic Act No. 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Law.
Tagel emphasized that the continued implementation of these initiatives is part of the BCPO’s commitment to enhance public safety, maintain peace and order, and prevent criminal activities in Baguio City.
