Authorities in Iloilo province scored significant victories in the war against illegal drugs, apprehending five suspects and confiscating suspected shabu valued at over P2.2 million in coordinated buy-bust operations on November 30, 2025.
Dumangas Operation Nets Four, Two Escape
The first strike occurred in Barangay Rosario, Dumangas, around 4 p.m., led by the local municipal police station's drug enforcement team. The operation resulted in the arrest of four individuals and the seizure of approximately 180 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of P1,224,000.
Those taken into custody were identified as alias Joen, 43, and alias Kalbo, 33, both classified as high-value individuals (HVIs). Also arrested were alias Patong, 38, and alias Em-em, 23, who are considered street-level suspects. Police reported that two other suspects, alias Nards (an HVI) and alias Boy, managed to flee the scene. All individuals involved are residents of the same barangay.
Investigators revealed that the operation was launched following tips from concerned citizens. A subsequent three-month validation period confirmed intelligence suggesting the group was sourcing their illegal drugs from Iloilo City before distributing them within Dumangas. The four arrested suspects are now detained and will face charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act 9165).
New Lucena Arrest Follows Year-Long Surveillance
In a separate operation in New Lucena, the Provincial Drug Enforcement Team of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) arrested a single high-value target. The team, under Police Major Dadje Delima, captured alias Lehnel, 24, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, at around 5:30 p.m.
This arrest was the culmination of nearly a year of surveillance, which confirmed the suspect's alleged role in distributing illegal drugs in the area. Authorities stated that Lehnel reportedly sourced narcotics from Metro Manila for sale in New Lucena. The operation led to the recovery of about 145 grams of shabu worth P986,000. The suspect is also detained and faces charges under RA 9165.
Police Leadership Commends Teams, Community
Police Colonel Bayani Razalan, the provincial director of IPPO, praised the operating units for their successful missions. He specifically highlighted the crucial role played by community members in providing information that led to the operations.
"The successful operation of the Dumangas MPS against illegal drugs, and the arrest of four persons involved in this illegal activity, testifies to the dedication of our Ilonggo Cops and our community," Razalan said. "We also appreciate the continued trust and support of our people in protecting our province against illegal drugs."
The IPPO, under Razalan's leadership, reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying anti-drug campaigns across the province. The goal remains to safeguard communities and uphold public safety through relentless and intelligence-driven police operations.
