Police in Estancia, Iloilo, have successfully arrested two individuals, including a high-value target, and confiscated a substantial amount of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P756,500. The operation took place on the evening of December 1, 2025, in Barangay Poblacion Zone 2.
Details of the Anti-Drug Operation
The Estancia Municipal Police Station's (MPS) Station Drug Enforcement Team conducted a planned buy-bust operation around 9 p.m. on Monday, December 1. The operation resulted in the apprehension of two suspects and the seizure of approximately 111.25 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu.
Authorities identified the primary target as a 29-year-old laborer known by the alias "John," who is classified as a high-value individual (HVI) in the local drug trade. His companion, identified as alias "Yanyan," also a laborer, was tagged as a street-level individual (SVI). Both suspects are residents of Clement Street in Poblacion Zone 2, Estancia.
Community Tip-Off and Police Action
According to police reports, the successful operation was initiated by tips from concerned citizens. For nearly three months, law enforcement agents validated the information before confirming the suspects' involvement in the illegal drug trade.
Police Major Karl Jerome Tingala, the chief of police of Estancia MPS, personally led the buy-bust team. Following their arrest, the two suspects were taken into custody and are currently detained at the Estancia MPS lock-up facility. They are set to face formal charges for violating Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Investigators revealed that the suspects allegedly sourced their illegal drugs from suppliers in Roxas City and Iloilo City and distributed them within the municipality of Estancia.
Commendation and Continued Vigilance
Police Colonel Bayani Razalan, the provincial director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), commended the Estancia police force for their effective operation. He highlighted the collaboration between the police and the community as a key factor in the fight against illegal substances.
"The smooth operation of the Estancia MPS against illegal drugs, and the arrest of these persons involved in illegal activities, proves the dedication of our Ilonggo Cops and our community to eradicate illegal drugs in our province," Razalan stated. He also expressed gratitude for the public's continued trust and support.
Colonel Razalan emphasized that the IPPO, under his command, remains steadfast in its mission to curb illegal drug activities and uphold peace and order throughout the province of Iloilo. The confiscated drug evidence has been turned over to the appropriate forensic laboratory for chemical analysis as part of the standard procedure for building a solid case.
