In a massive crackdown on illegal drugs, Police Regional Office 6 (PRO 6) in Western Visayas successfully arrested eleven suspects and confiscated approximately 580 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of nearly P39 million during intensive operations conducted from November 28 to November 29, 2025.
Major Drug Bust Across Multiple Provinces
The 24-hour regional anti-drug campaign spanned across Western Visayas, resulting in eleven separate buy-bust operations that netted significant quantities of illegal substances. Police authorities confirmed that among those apprehended, five were classified as high-value individuals (HVIs) while six were listed as street-value individuals (SVIs).
Operatives recovered a total of 86 plastic sachets containing shabu during the coordinated raids. The operations demonstrated enhanced police coordination and intelligence-driven approaches to combat the drug trade in the region.
Key Operations and Arrests
In Iloilo City, two significant operations in La Paz District yielded major results. At approximately 11:50 p.m. on November 28, Iloilo City Police Station 2 arrested a 39-year-old suspect known as "Aron," identified as a high-value individual from Barangay Nabitasan. Authorities recovered approximately 100 grams of shabu from the suspect.
Earlier that day at 4:53 p.m., the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) apprehended another high-value target known as "Boss," a 31-year-old single resident of Barangay Rizal Lapuz Sur District. The operation resulted in the seizure of about 160 grams of shabu, one of the largest single confiscations during the 24-hour campaign.
Iloilo Province witnessed back-to-back successful operations, with the Iloilo Police Provincial Office arresting a 48-year-old unemployed suspect called "Irene" in Barotac Nuevo around 6:45 p.m. Classified as a high-value individual, the suspect yielded approximately 150 grams of shabu.
In Oton, the Municipal Police Station captured a 46-year-old pedicab driver known as "Mel" from Barangay Poblacion East at 8:23 p.m., confiscating around 50 grams of shabu from the suspect.
Regional Coordination and Community Support
Guimaras province also contributed to the successful operations, with Buenavista Municipal Police Station arresting a 40-year-old tricycle driver known as "Rey" during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Salvacion around 3:30 p.m. The high-value individual suspect surrendered approximately 53 grams of shabu to authorities.
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, regional director of PRO 6, praised the involved units for their swift and coordinated actions. "These accomplishments reflect the dedication of our men and women in PRO 6 to keep Western Visayas safe from the scourge of illegal drugs," Ligan stated.
"We will not let up. Our operations will remain relentless, and we urge the community to work with us in reporting drug activities so we can further protect our communities," the regional director emphasized.
PRO 6 attributed the success of the operations to sustained intelligence efforts, enhanced coordination among different police units, and valuable tips from concerned citizens. The regional office stressed the crucial role of community support in identifying drug personalities and ensuring operational effectiveness.
All arrested suspects now face charges for violations of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. PRO 6 reaffirmed its commitment to continuing relentless operations toward achieving a drug-free Western Visayas region.
