Just as Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Dir. Gen. Oscar D. Albayalde vowed to intensify the crackdown against illegal drugs, 13 people were killed in simultaneous police operations in the province of Bulacan on Friday, authorities said.

In a report, Bulacan Police Provincial Office said 13 suspected drug criminals were killed while 58 were arrested in a string of 49 anti-drug operations in the province.

Three suspects were killed in San Juan Del Monte, while one in each of the following towns: Bocaue, Pandi, Sta. Maria, Malolos City, Plaridel, Pulilan, Baliwag, and San Rafael.

Two suspects were also killed in separate operations by the Bulacan Provincial Mobile Force Company and Provincial Intelligence Branch.

The police said it has seized 216 sachets of suspected crystal meth or shabu; a brick and 26 sachets of marijuana or a total estimated amount of P488,439; and 15 firearms of various caliber.

PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. John Bulalacao said the 13 deaths are “clear indication that members of drug syndicates are fierce and are ready to put up a fight against the law enforcers.”

“Let this serve as a reminder to the PNP operatives to be careful and cautious in their operations to preclude becoming casualties during anti-illegal drugs operations,” Bulalacao said in a statement.

Since the launch of the anti-illegal drug campaign, Bulacan dominated the headlines because of the soaring numbers of deaths in police operations.

In March, 13 were also killed while 109 were arrested in various police raids.

In August last year, 32 were killed in 24 hours, with President Rodrigo Duterte saying that the deaths were “good” and killing 32 drug suspects per day everyday may “reduce what ails this country.”

READ: ‘That’s good,’ says Duterte on killing of 32 Bulacan druggies

The PNP has said nearly 4,000 drug personalities have been killed in the nearly two-year intensified campaign against illegal drugs. It says most of the fatalities were killed while putting up violent or deadly resistance during police operations.

Albayalde, in his inaugural speech on Thursday, said that he would continue and intensify the Oplan Tokhang and the anti-illegal drug crackdown. /jpv

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