​THE Philippine National Police (PNP) reported the arrest of eight most wanted persons in the country and the seizure of more than P15.17 million worth of illegal drugs. ​The operations were conducted from Dec. 30 to 31 in various parts of the country, including Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Bukidnon, Samar, and Agusan del Sur. ​“Police work does not stop. Even during the last hours of the year, operations continue because crimes don’t stop. We are making sure that our communities remain safe, regardless of the date or the time,” acting PNP chief LtGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said. ​The suspects face charges ranging from kidnapping, rape, sexual assault, and qualified theft to violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. ​The PNP said raids conducted in Bacolod City, Cebu City, Davao City, Ilocos Sur, Benguet, and Kalinga resulted in the confiscation of over 1 kilogram of shabu valued at more than P5 million, as well as more than P10 million worth of marijuana. ​The Manila Police, it added, arrested a most-wanted suspect facing rape and murder charges in Quiapo. ​Another most wanted kidnapping suspect was apprehended at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City, while a fugitive was nabbed in Bukidnon in an operation that resulted in an armed confrontation. ​“These arrests send a clear message that fugitives cannot outrun the law,” Nartatez said.