Manila, Sept. 4 -- Authorities have arrested 223 fugitives and recovered 204 loose firearms in a series of law enforcement operations in the Zamboanga Peninsula in August, the police said Thursday.

Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta, director of the Police Regional Office-9, said the accomplishments are the result of focused police work, strong inter-agency coordination and active community support.

Of the 223 arrested fugitives, 80 were listed as most wanted persons, while the remaining 153 were classified as other wanted persons. The fugitives were facing various crimes and were apprehended through the relentless implementation of arrest warrants.

Matta said the 204 loose firearms were recovered through a series of law enforcement operations, ...