Operatives of the Iloilo City Police Office (Icpo), Maritime Police Station (Marpsta), Iloilo Police Provincial Office (Ippo), and allied anti-drug units conducted separate buy-bust operations in Iloilo City and Pototan, Iloilo on June 8 and June 9, 2026. The operations led to the arrest of six alleged drug personalities and the confiscation of approximately P2.72 million worth of suspected shabu, along with a firearm and ammunition.
Arrests and Seizures
Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño, acting regional director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), confirmed that the operations resulted in the arrest of one high-value individual (HVI) in Iloilo City and another HVI in Pototan, along with other drug suspects. The largest seizure occurred during a buy-bust at about 11:15 p.m. on June 8 in Barangay Rizal, Lapuz District, Iloilo City.
Iloilo City Operation
Arrested was alias Ian, 29, an Angkas rider and resident of Oton, Iloilo, identified as an HVI. The operation escalated into an armed confrontation after the suspect allegedly fired at law enforcers. Two other suspects, aliases Mak-Mak and Niko, escaped and are subjects of ongoing hot-pursuit operations. Seized were 14 heat-sealed sachets containing about 150 grams of suspected shabu valued at P1.02 million, buy-bust money, a caliber .45 pistol loaded with ammunition, one fired cartridge case, and other non-drug evidence.
The operation was jointly conducted by the Icpo-City Drug Enforcement Unit, Maritime Police Station, Icpo Special Weapons and Tactics Team, and Iloilo City Police Station 8 - Station Drug Enforcement Team. Ian faces charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), RA 10591, and attempted homicide.
Pototan Operation
Another HVI, alias Onyok, 45, unemployed and a resident of Pototan, was arrested during a buy-bust at about 10:42 a.m. on June 9 in Barangay Rumbang, Pototan. Recovered were six transparent plastic sachets containing around 250 grams of suspected shabu worth P1.7 million, buy-bust money, and other non-drug evidence. The operation was carried out by the Ippo-Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit Team 2 in coordination with the Pototan Municipal Police Station, Regional Special Operations Group, and Provincial Intelligence Unit. Investigators said the operation stemmed from nearly a month of surveillance after the suspect was linked to illegal drug activities in Pototan and neighboring municipalities.
Official Statements
Police Brigadier General Tuaño commended the operating units for their dedication and courage. He emphasized the importance of safety in operations, stating that no achievement justifies risking a police officer's life. He expressed gratitude that personnel remained unharmed despite the inherent risks. Tuaño also praised the Pototan operation, noting that the seizure of a substantial quantity of illegal drugs disrupts the supply chain of drug traffickers and prevents dangerous substances from reaching individuals whose lives could be ruined by illegal drugs.
The PRO 6 said the operations are part of intensified anti-illegal drug efforts across Western Visayas aimed at reducing the proliferation of illegal drugs and dismantling local drug networks. All arrested suspects remain in custody while appropriate charges are being prepared.
Broader Campaign
The anti-drug operations were conducted in line with the Philippine National Police's campaign under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. From the two operations alone, authorities confiscated approximately 400 grams of suspected shabu valued at P2.72 million and recovered one firearm with ammunition. The PRO 6 underscored its continuing campaign through intelligence-driven operations and coordinated law enforcement efforts throughout the region.
