Iloilo Police Nab Eight High-Value Drug Suspects in Dual Operations
In a significant crackdown on illegal narcotics, operatives from the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6) and the Iloilo City Police Office (Icpo) have arrested eight high-value individuals (HVI) and seized nearly 300 grams of shabu valued at approximately P1.97 million in two separate drug busts conducted in Iloilo City. The operations, which took place on February 23 and 24, 2026, underscore a relentless campaign against drug trafficking in the region.
First Operation: Major Seizure in Jaro District
The initial incident occurred around 10:20 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026, in Zone 3, Barangay Tacas, Locsin Avenue, Jaro District, Iloilo City. During this operation, authorities confiscated 205 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of P1,394,000. Five individuals were apprehended, all classified as HVIs: Rodney, 40, a resident of Barangay Tacas; alias Bernie, 29, of Barangay Dagami, Maasin, Iloilo; alias Pong, 36, of Barangay Tacas; alias Bingkay, 58, of Barangay Tacas; and a barangay tanod. In addition to the drugs, police recovered buy-bust money, an Android cellular phone, two rolls of aluminum foil, several empty plastic sachets, and other non-drug items.
Second Operation: Villa Anita Bust
The second operation unfolded at 9:25 p.m. on February 24, 2026, in Barangay Villa Anita, City Proper District, Iloilo City. Here, four suspects were arrested, and 85 grams of shabu worth P578,000 were confiscated. The arrested individuals include alias Ryan, 32; alias Mary, 50; and alias Mel, 58, all residents of Barangay Villa Anita, as well as alias Benz, 42, a resident of Barangay Salvacion-Habog-Habog, Molo District, Iloilo City, who was temporarily staying in Barangay Villa Anita. Authorities seized nine heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing shabu, including the buy-bust item, along with marked buy-bust money and several non-drug items.
Police Leadership Vows Continued Vigilance
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, PRO 6 director, emphasized the operation's significance, stating it "underscores PRO 6’s strong commitment to intensify the fight against illegal drugs." He warned, "We will not allow drug personalities to endanger our communities or destroy the future of our families in Western Visayas. Let this serve as a stern warning to those who persist in this unlawful trade, we will relentlessly pursue you, and the full force of the law will prevail."
Police Colonel Wilbert Parilla, officer-in-charge of Icpo, commended the operating units and reiterated the office's intensified campaign. He declared, "Illegal drugs will ruin your dreams, your future, and your life. There is nothing good that comes from drugs — only destruction, broken families, and wasted potential. Let this operation serve as a stern warning: do not engage in illegal drug activities. To the drug traffickers, every successful operation only makes us more driven and more aggressive in our campaign. I reiterate — there will be no safe place for drug personalities in Iloilo City."
Legal Proceedings and Broader Impact
The arrested suspects are currently under police custody and will face charges for violations of Sections 5, 11, and 26 of Republic Act (RA) 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Authorities highlighted that these back-to-back operations demonstrate the sustained anti-illegal drug campaign by PRO 6 and its city units in Iloilo City, aiming to dismantle drug networks and protect local communities from the scourge of narcotics.
