The Police Regional Office 1 (PRO 1) led by Police Brigadier General Lou F. Evangelista, Regional Director, has continued its relentless efforts in law enforcement, public safety, and peacekeeping, achieving significant milestones in 2024 and early 2025.
On January 8, 2025, joint operatives from the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 1 (Lead Unit), along with RID PRO1, RIU1, PDEG SOU1, PDEA La Union, PIU La Union, Santol MPS, and Bacnotan MPS, in coordination with PDEA RO1, had apprehended two male suspects, aged 24 and 21, both from Santol, La Union. Seized from their possession were six kilograms of dried marijuana, valued at Php720,000.00 based on the Standard Drug Price (SDP) which were packed in six elongated cling-wrapped packages, along with other non-drug evidences.
In 2024, PRO 1 had maintained an impressive 98.38% crime clearance efficiency and an 82.83% crime solution efficiency—highlighting its commitment to ensuring public safety and a secure environment.
Relative to its intensified campaign against Wanted Persons, PRO 1 had successfully apprehended nine individuals from the Most Wanted list, with a total reward amounting to Php4,050,000, in accordance with Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) memorandum circulars. Additionally, 355 other Most Wanted Persons and 3,592 Wanted Individuals were arrested. These figures reflect a consistent performance compared to 2023, when 464 Most Wanted Persons and 3,430 other Wanted Individuals were apprehended.
In its campaign against illegal drugs, PRO 1 had conducted 1,242 anti-drug operations, leading to the arrest of 1,399 suspects and the confiscation of substantial quantities of illegal drugs, including: 139,336.32 grams of shabu; 51,123.11 grams of marijuana; 0.29 grams of cocaine; and five ecstasy tablets.
Furthermore, 17 marijuana eradication operations had resulted to the destruction of 298,053 fully grown marijuana plants; 70,400 seedlings; 250 grams of seeds; and 1,000 grams of dried marijuana leaves.
These efforts had culminated in the seizure of illegal drugs with an estimated standard drug price of Php1,016,241,131.79. Additionally, 152 drug personalities had voluntarily surrendered to authorities.
Through the Revitalized Katok and Oplan Bakal/Sita, PRO 1 had achieved the following results: arrested of 254 individuals; confiscation of 224 loose firearms; the recovery of 110 unregistered firearms; and the surrender of 3,471 firearms.
PRO 1’s efforts to combat carnapping had yielded positive results, with 43 operations leading to the recovery of five motor vehicles and 25 motorcycles. These operations had resulted to the arrest of 32 suspects and the filing of 10 cases in court.
Also, PRO 1 had steered 690 anti-illegal gambling operations, arresting 2,450 individuals and seizing Php942,464.50 in gambling proceeds.
In the fight against insurgency, the following voluntary surrenders had been recorded: 221 members of Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) Front Organizations; 15 CTG supporters; and five members of Underground Mass Organizations.
PBGen Evangelista commended the dedication of PRO 1’s personnel, highlighting their commitment to ensuring peace and security. He stated, “With the unwavering dedication of the men and women of PRO 1, we have achieved significant milestones in 2024 in our fight against criminality, illegal drugs, and security threats.” He had also reaffirmed PRO 1’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, strengthening community relations, and continuously innovating law enforcement strategies in the region.
These accomplishments underscore the PRO 1’s dedication to excellence in law enforcement, fostering trust within communities, and ensuring the Ilocos Region remains a safe homeland for all. As PRO 1 continues to build on these achievements, it remains steadfast in its mission to surpass its marks and uphold its commitment to public safety and peace and order toward a Bagong Pilipinas!
