Operatives of the Iloilo City Police Office (Icpo) arrested a 36-year-old sari-sari store owner, identified only as alias Harry, during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Bolilao, Mandurriao District, Iloilo City on April 22, 2026. The suspect, listed as a high-value individual (HVI), yielded approximately 160 grams of shabu valued at P1,088,000.
Operation Details
The anti-drug operation was conducted at 2:15 a.m. on April 22, 2026, by personnel of the Icpo-City Drug Enforcement Unit, in coordination with the Maritime Police Station (Marpsta), the Icpo Special Weapons and Tactics (Swat) team, and the Iloilo City Police Station (ICPS) 10-Station Drug Enforcement Team. Seized from the suspect were 21 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets and one knot-tied transparent plastic bag containing suspected illegal drugs, along with buy-bust money and several non-drug items.
Police Commendation
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), commended the operating units for the successful operation. “This accomplishment speaks volumes about the unwavering commitment of our police force in the fight against illegal drugs. PRO 6 assures the public that we will intensify our operations and continue to target high-value individuals,” he said. Ligan emphasized the importance of public vigilance and cooperation, encouraging individuals to report suspicious activities in their communities.
Suspect Background
Police disclosed that the suspect had been under surveillance for about one month prior to his arrest. Records show that alias Harry had previously been arrested in 2022 for a similar offense and had reportedly availed himself of plea bargaining for temporary release. He is currently under police custody and will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, particularly Section 5 (sale of dangerous drugs) and Section 11 (possession of dangerous drugs), which carry penalties of life imprisonment and fines ranging from P500,000 to P10,000,000.
Ongoing Campaign
Authorities reiterated that sustained law enforcement efforts, intelligence-driven operations, and community cooperation remain key strategies in dismantling illegal drug networks and ensuring public safety in Western Visayas. The PRO 6 continues to intensify its campaign against illegal drugs, targeting high-value individuals to curb the drug menace in the region.
