In a significant blow to the illegal drug trade in Western Visayas, authorities apprehended a high-value suspect and confiscated a substantial haul of shabu and a firearm during a meticulously planned operation in Iloilo City.
Major Drug Bust in Arevalo District
The operation unfolded in Barangay San Jose, Arevalo, Iloilo City, at 11:42 p.m. on November 29, 2025. The target, a 47-year-old unemployed man known by the alias "Von" from Barangay Namocon, Tigbauan, Iloilo, was arrested after he allegedly sold methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, to an undercover police operative.
This successful buy-bust was executed by a combined force from the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) City Drug Enforcement Unit, led by Police Captain Roque Gimeno III, with crucial support from the Regional Intelligence Unit in Western Visayas (RIU-6) and the ICPO Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team.
Massive Drug Haul and Firearm Recovered
The evidence recovered from the suspect underscores the scale of his alleged illegal activities. Operatives seized a total of 23 plastic sachets containing the illegal drugs, broken down as follows:
- 11 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets of shabu
- 12 knot-tied transparent plastic sachets of shabu
The combined weight of the confiscated shabu was approximately 550 grams, with an estimated street value of P3,740,000.
Beyond the drugs, the operation also netted a caliber .38 revolver loaded with six live rounds of ammunition, the buy-bust money used in the transaction, and several non-drug related items.
Charges Filed and Official Commendations
The suspect, classified as a high-value individual (HVI) in the drug watchlist, is currently detained at Iloilo City Police Station 6. He is set to face serious criminal complaints for violations of:
- Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (for sale and possession of illegal drugs).
- Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition.
All seized items have been turned over to the Iloilo City Police Forensic Unit for thorough examination and chemical analysis to build a solid case for prosecution.
The successful operation drew praise from top regional and city police officials. Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, Regional Director of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO 6), commended the operating teams, stating that the accomplishment is a clear testament to PRO 6's unwavering commitment to safeguarding communities from the drug menace.
"Let this serve as a strong message to all, Police Regional Office 6 will relentlessly pursue anyone who endangers the lives and future of our people," General Ligan emphasized.
Echoing this sentiment, ICPO Director Police Colonel Kim Legada praised the operatives and issued a stern warning. "This operation sends a clear message that we will not allow drug personalities, whether locals or outsiders, to threaten the peace of Iloilo City. ICPO remains relentless in our campaign to keep our communities safe," Colonel Legada declared.
