By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) said it arrested 11,588 during 11,424 operations in 2023.
Among those arrested were 54 leaders and 442 members of criminal gangs and 125 communist and local terrorist group members, CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. reported at their 71st founding anniversary rites in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Friday.
CIDG also filed nine terrorism financing cases.
“On loose firearms, a total of 1,370 operations were conducted that resulted in the confiscation of 1,990 loose firearms, 435 explosives, and 41,244 assorted ammunition,” he said in his speech.
In the campaign against illegal gambling, CIDG agents confiscated more than PHP3.9 million worth of bet money and arrested 2,522 suspects in 1,072 police operations.
“I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all those who actively contribute to our mission, for it is through these alliances that we forge a safer and more just society for everyone,” Caramat said.
The CIDG has 1,932 investigators running six special operating units and 17 regional field units.
Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento, the event’s guest of honor and speaker, also feted the CIDG’s accomplishments for the first week of January alone — the arrest of 141 wanted persons and one member of the communist New People’s Army in 147 operations.
He acknowledged the CIDG as a partner of the National Prosecution Service in maintaining peace, security and justice.
“We are filled with much optimism, knowing that we possess a common goal to defeat criminality. Guided by the primacy of the rule of law and by our respect for the supremacy of civilian authority that is enshrined in our Constitution itself, it is a great deal that our institutions are in accord with both objectives and actions as this promotes optimal cooperation and efficiency amidst a volatile social climate,” Malcontento said. (with Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
