The Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) arrested a high-value individual (HVI) and nine street-level individuals (SLIs) during separate anti-drug operations conducted across Iloilo province from May 7 to May 20, 2026. The operations led to the confiscation of more than 232 grams of shabu, with an estimated value of approximately P1.57 million.
Commendation from Police Leadership
Police Colonel Bayani Razalan, director of IPPO, commended the operatives for their successful anti-drug campaign and reiterated the police force’s commitment to intensifying the crackdown against illegal drugs in the province. “Congratulations to our PDEU on another successful operation. We will not stop arresting people involved in illegal drugs in our province,” Razalan said.
Major Bust in Santa Barbara
The largest seizure occurred during a buy-bust operation conducted by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit at 7:45 p.m. on May 20, 2026, in Barangay Balabag, Santa Barbara, Iloilo. Arrested was alias Bax, 54, a casual employee and resident of the same barangay. Police identified him as an HVI. Authorities confiscated approximately 120 grams of shabu, with an estimated standard drug price of P816,000.
The operation stemmed from coordinated intelligence work by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit. The suspect is now under the custody of the Santa Barbara Municipal Police Station (MPS) for documentation and proper disposition. He will face charges for violation of Republic Act (RA) 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Arrests of Street-Level Individuals
Meanwhile, nine SLIs were arrested in separate anti-illegal drug operations conducted from May 7 to May 18, 2026, in various towns and cities across Iloilo province. Police recovered approximately 112 grams of shabu valued at P761,600 during these operations.
Data from IPPO showed that Passi City and Santa Barbara MPS recorded the highest number of arrests, with two suspects each. This was followed by Oton, Leganes, Guimbal, Concepcion, and Tubungan MPS, each with one arrested suspect. The arrested individuals are currently under the temporary custody of their respective police stations while charges for violation of RA 9165 are being prepared.
Continued Campaign Against Drugs
Razalan stated that IPPO will continue its aggressive campaign against illegal drugs to ensure the safety of residents and protect the youth from the harmful effects of narcotics. The anti-drug campaign is part of the continuing efforts of PRO Western Visayas under the leadership of Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan to strengthen law enforcement operations against illegal drugs across the region.
