Major Drug Bust in Iloilo City: High-Value Suspect Arrested with P1.1 Million Shabu
In a significant anti-narcotics operation, police authorities in Iloilo City have successfully apprehended a high-value individual (HVI) and confiscated a substantial quantity of suspected shabu valued at over one million pesos. The operation underscores the ongoing efforts to combat illegal drug activities in Western Visayas.
Details of the Buy-Bust Operation
The arrest occurred during a meticulously planned buy-bust operation conducted around 1:22 a.m. on January 28, 2026, in Barangay Ticud, La Paz District, Iloilo City. Police operatives seized approximately 160 grams of a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, with an estimated standard drug price of P1,088,000. The suspect, identified only by the alias Erp, is a 49-year-old single resident of La Paz District, Iloilo City, and has been classified as a high-value individual in the illegal drug trade.
Items Recovered and Legal Charges
During the operation, law enforcement officers recovered several items from the suspect's possession, including:
- 12 heat-sealed sachets containing the suspected shabu
- One knot-tied plastic bag with the same substance
- Buy-bust money and proceeds from the transaction
- One Android cellular phone
- One black coin purse
- Various other non-drug items
The arrested suspect is currently under police custody pending proper disposition and the filing of appropriate charges. He faces violations of Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. These offenses carry severe penalties, ranging from life imprisonment to death, along with fines between P500,000 and P10,000,000.
Coordinated Police Efforts and Community Involvement
The successful operation was the result of coordinated efforts by multiple specialized units, including the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) in Western Visayas, the Police Drug Enforcement Group – Special Operations Unit 6, and the Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) in Western Visayas. These agencies conducted intensive intelligence monitoring, thorough case build-up, and acted on verified information provided by concerned community members.
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, regional director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), commended the operating units for their vigilance and dedication. In a statement, he emphasized the importance of community cooperation, saying, "These successful operations reflect the unwavering commitment of the men and women of PRO 6 to protect our communities from the dangers of illegal drugs. We commend our personnel for their vigilance and dedication, and we also recognize the vital role of the community, whose cooperation and timely information greatly contributed to these accomplishments."
Call for Continued Public Support
Authorities have reiterated their call for continued community cooperation in the fight against illegal drugs. They stressed that information from residents remains vital in sustaining anti-illegal drug operations across Iloilo City and the rest of Western Visayas. The PRO 6 has pledged to intensify intelligence-driven operations in coordination with its specialized units to curb the proliferation of illegal drugs in the region.
This arrest highlights the ongoing challenges and efforts in maintaining safety and peace in the community, with police urging the public to actively support the Philippine National Police by reporting any illegal activities. The strong partnership between law enforcement and citizens is seen as essential for achieving a drug-free environment.
