Two high-value individuals (HVIs) were arrested and approximately P2.89 million worth of suspected shabu was confiscated during a buy-bust operation conducted by the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6) on May 25, 2026, in Iloilo City.
Operation Details
The operation took place along Mabini Street, Barangay San Jose, City Proper District, Iloilo City, at around 11:33 p.m. Operatives from the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit in Western Visayas (RPDEU 6), together with other law enforcement units, carried out the successful anti-illegal drug operation.
Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño, acting regional director of PRO 6, commended the operating units and emphasized the importance of community support in the government’s anti-drug campaign.
“This accomplishment highlights the vital role of the community in our campaign against the proliferation of illegal drugs in the region. Timely and credible information from concerned citizens enables our police units to act swiftly and effectively against those involved in the illegal drug trade. I commend our operating personnel for their dedication, and I urge the public to continue working with us in keeping Western Visayas safe and peaceful,” Tuaño said.
Suspects Identified
Police identified the arrested suspects as alias Randy, 48, and his live-in partner alias Buka, 33, both residents of Barangay Rizal Estanzuela, City Proper District, Iloilo City. Authorities said the two were listed as HVIs involved in illegal drug activities in the city.
Investigation disclosed that the operation stemmed from reports provided by concerned citizens regarding the suspects’ alleged involvement in illegal drug activities in Iloilo City Proper. Authorities said that Randy and Buka had been placed under surveillance for nearly a month before the operation was conducted.
Confiscated Items
Operatives confiscated around 425 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price of P2,890,000, along with buy-bust money and other non-drug evidence.
Units Involved
The anti-illegal drug operation was carried out by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit in Western Visayas (RPDEU 6), with assistance from the Regional Intelligence Unit in Western Visayas (RIU 6), Philippine Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG)– Special Operations Unit in Western Visayas (SOU 6), and Iloilo City Police Station (ICPS) 7.
Charges Filed
Authorities said charges for violation of Republic Act (RA) 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared against the suspects.
