32 fall in Calabarzon raids

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines – Thirty-two persons were arrested while three minors were rescued in a series of police operations in Calabarzon  (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) over the weekend.

Among those arrested were members of the Armiendo, Quilingan and Peña criminal groups, who are engaged in contract killings and illegal drug activities, according to Senior Superintendent Joel Pernito, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group regional director.

Of the 32, two were nabbed in Cavite, eight in Quezon and 22 in Laguna including eight in Biñan, five in Bay, and three each in Cabuyao, Calamba and Los Baños.

Pernito said the raids were part of a  one time large-scale operation under the Oplan Lambat-Sibat, an anti-crime measure which the Philippine National Police said proved effective in Metro Manila.

The raids, conducted since Monday, were based on 44 warrants for violation of drug laws and illegal possession of firearms.

Police seized 22 firearms, ammunition, P9,800 in cash and at least 150 grams of illegal drugs with an estimated street value of P480,000.

The minors were turned over to social welfare officers.