By GMA News Published May 18, 2026 4:06am + Add GMA on Google Make this your preferred source to get more updates from this publisher on Google. The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday reported the recovery of more than P61 million worth of suspected illegal drugs and the arrest of five suspects in several operations across the country.In a statement, the PNP said a fisherman in Patnanungan, Quezon reported the discovery of five tape-sealed plastic bags with 6.5 kilos of suspected cocaine valued at P34.5 million.The items – which were turned over to policemen – were believed to have drifted ashore months earlier before being discovered a a coastal area.In Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental, anti-narcotics operatives arrested a high-value individual during a buy-bust operation and confiscated more than a kilo of suspected shabu worth P7 million.Another operation in Bacolod City led to the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of one kilogram of suspected shabu worth P6.8 million.In Zamboanga City, operatives confiscated two kilograms of suspected shabu valued at P13.6 million from a suspect.The said anti-illegal drug operations were conducted in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA.)“Malaking tulong ang pakikipagtulungan ng mamamayan sa ating kampanya laban sa ilegal na droga. Kapag may impormasyon at agad itong naiuulat, mas mabilis nating naaaksyunan at napipigilan ang pagkalat ng ipinagbabawal na droga sa ating mga komunidad,” said PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.(The cooperation of our citizens in our fight against illegal drugs is a big help. If there is information and it is immediately reported, we can act on it faster and we can stop illegal drugs from spreading in our communities.)“Our operations remain focused on protecting communities while ensuring that police actions are conducted properly and within the bounds of the law. Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating kampanya laban sa illegal drugs (We will continue to intensify our anti-illegal drugs drive) through disciplined and intelligence-based operations,” he added.The PNP assured the public that all recovered evidence will undergo proper examination and documentation, while appropriate charges are being prepared against the arrested suspects.In a separate statement, National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) commissioner Ralph Calinisan commended the PNP and the PDEA for the recovery of P61 million in suspected illegal drugs.“These accomplishments reflect the importance of coordinated, intelligence-driven, and community-supported operations in protecting our communities from the harmful effects of illegal drugs,” he said.‘At NAPOLCOM, we will continue working toward a police service that is disciplined in character, sincere in public service, and guided by humanity, accountability, and respect for the people it has sworn to protect,” Calinisan added. — JMA, GMA News