The Philippine Police Drug Enforcement Group seized suspected shabu worth P70.4 million and arrested four suspects during an anti-illegal drugs operation in Dasmariñas, Cavite on Tuesday.
Police identified the suspects as Mohammad Akil Esmail, Saimen Esmail, and African nationals Clement Jnr Nwachukwand Starboi Nwachukwu.
The seized illegal drugs weighed more or less 11 kilograms, the PNP said.
PNP chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa said they would continue the fight against illegal drugs while also helping in the efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
“Normal police functions such as service of warrants of arrest, and other law enforcement operations will continue without let-up,” Gamboa said.
The drug suspects are now detained at the PNP-DEG for filing of appropriate charges.
Meanwhile, around 40 families were affected by the fire that hit a residential area in Delpan, Tondo, Manila on Wednesday morning.
Damage was estimated at P100,000, said the Manila Public Information Office.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire that occurred near Delpan Bridge.
Meanwhile, the local government of the City of Manila vowed to extend assistance to the families affected by the fire.
The families will be brought to Baseco Evacuation Center.
The Bureau of Fire Protection declared fire out at 11:30 a.m.
In other news, 49 alleged purveyors of fake news and online scam have been arrested amid the threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group said Wednesday.
The PNP-ACG said that from March 9 to April 13, a total of 24 cases have been filed against those who allegedly spread false information and those who were supposedly involved in face mask scam.
PNP spokesman Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac said these cases were inclusive of all COVID-related fake news, ranging from violation of data privacy to illegal selling and hoarding of merchandise.
The police organization has been warning the public about the proliferation of fake news during the health crisis, adding that those who spread fake news could be charged for violating Republic Act 10175 or the Anti-Cybercrime Law.
Banac, meanwhile, denied rumors being spread online and on text messages about the supposed standardization of salary pension, adding that the PNP Retirement and Benefits Administration did not issue any directive on the rumored standardization of salary pensions of retirees and their alleged 29-percent increase.
“Our cybercops will be in full gear to address this continuing struggle against fake news proliferators and online scammers in the time of deadly contagion,” he said.
“We will arrest these cybercriminals to stop their illegal activities online that may cause harm, confusion, and panic among our people,” he added.