Major Drug Bust in Iloilo City Nets P1.36 Million in Shabu
In a significant blow to illegal drug operations, Iloilo City Police have successfully conducted a high-stakes buy-bust operation resulting in the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of approximately 200 grams of suspected shabu valued at an estimated P1,360,000. The operation, which took place at precisely 12 noon on February 12, 2026, was executed in Zone 5 of Barangay Boulevard, located within the Molo District of Iloilo City.
Suspects Identified as High-Value and Street-Level Individuals
Authorities have identified the apprehended individuals as a high-value individual (HVI) and a street-level individual (SVI), marking a critical capture in the ongoing war against narcotics. The HVI, known by the alias "Juls," is a 52-year-old unemployed resident of Barangay Boulevard. His alleged accomplice, the SVI identified as "Mon-mon," is a 37-year-old carpenter who resides in Barangay Kasing-kasing, also in Molo.
Both suspects are currently in police custody, where they face serious legal repercussions. Police are meticulously preparing charges against them for violations of Sections 5, 11, and 26 of Republic Act 9165, commonly referred to as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. This legislation is the cornerstone of the Philippines' legal framework for combating drug-related offenses.
Coordinated Police Effort Leads to Successful Operation
The operation was a coordinated effort led by operatives from Iloilo City Police Station 4, operating under the umbrella of the Iloilo City Police Office. They received crucial tactical support from the ICPO's elite Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, ensuring the mission was carried out safely and effectively.
During the raid, police confiscated a total of 14 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing the suspected shabu. In addition to the narcotics, authorities also recovered the buy-bust money used in the operation and several non-drug items as part of the evidence collection process.
Police Leadership Commends Units, Calls for Public Vigilance
Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, the esteemed director of the Police Regional Office-Western Visayas (PRO 6), publicly commended the operating units for their diligence and bravery. In a statement, he emphasized the unwavering commitment of the police force to eradicating the scourge of illegal drugs from the region.
"We remain relentless in our campaign against illegal drugs to protect our communities and ensure a safer Western Visayas," declared Ligan. He further urged the general public to maintain a high level of vigilance and to actively support law enforcement efforts. Community cooperation is viewed as an essential component in the broader strategy to dismantle drug networks and promote public safety across the Visayas.
This operation underscores the persistent and determined efforts by Philippine authorities to combat the illegal drug trade, particularly in urban centers like Iloilo City. The seizure of such a substantial quantity of shabu represents a significant disruption to local distribution channels and sends a strong message to those involved in narcotics trafficking.
