Incumbent Barangay Captain Nabbed in Iloilo Drug Sting, P1.5 Million in Shabu Confiscated
In a significant blow to illegal drug activities in Western Visayas, operatives from the San Dionisio Municipal Police Station apprehended an incumbent barangay captain during a meticulously planned buy-bust operation in Barangay Bondulan, San Dionisio, Iloilo. The arrest, which occurred on the evening of February 15, 2026, resulted in the seizure of approximately 222 grams of shabu, with an estimated street value of P1,509,600.
Suspect Identified as High-Value Individual
Police have identified the suspect only by the aliases Red or Kap, a 52-year-old resident of Barangay Bondulan. Authorities have classified him as a high-value individual (HVI) in the regional drug trade, highlighting the importance of this arrest in disrupting narcotics distribution networks. The operation was the culmination of nearly two years of intensive surveillance, initiated based on tips from concerned citizens regarding the suspect's alleged involvement in illicit drug activities.
Police Leadership Applauds Operation and Community Support
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, regional director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), praised the operating units for their successful efforts. "This achievement is not only a success for us as police officers, but also a shared victory for all the people of Western Visayas who aspire to build a drug-free community," Ligan stated, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the anti-drug campaign.
Echoing these sentiments, Police Colonel Bayani Razalan, provincial director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), commended the San Dionisio Municipal Police Station for their diligent work. He extended gratitude to the local community for their unwavering support, which he described as a source of inspiration for law enforcement personnel to persist in their vigorous campaign against illegal substances across the entire province.
Details of the Buy-Bust Operation
The operation was executed by a coordinated team led by Police Captain Ma. Rosela C. Buenvenida, officer in charge of the San Dionisio MPS, in collaboration with the Iloilo Police Provincial Office-Provincial Enforcement Team (IPPO-PET)-Team 3 and the Maritime Police Station (Marpsta). During the sting, authorities confiscated:
- 12 plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu
- The marked buy-bust money used in the transaction
- Various non-drug items related to the case
Investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly sourced illegal drugs from Estancia, Iloilo, and distributed them within San Dionisio, indicating a cross-municipality drug pipeline that has now been disrupted.
Legal Consequences and Ongoing Efforts
The apprehended barangay captain is currently detained at the San Dionisio MPS and will face charges under Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Convictions under this law can result in severe penalties, including life imprisonment and fines reaching up to P10 million. The PRO 6 and IPPO have reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining intensified anti-illegal drug operations throughout Iloilo province, with this arrest serving as a stark reminder of their resolve to target high-value individuals involved in the narcotics trade.
