In a significant anti-drug operation, law enforcement authorities in Iloilo province successfully apprehended a high-value individual and confiscated a substantial quantity of illegal substances. The Dumangas Municipal Council Police Station, operating under the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), conducted a targeted buy-bust operation in Barangay Tabucan, Dumangas, Iloilo on the afternoon of March 12, 2026.
Details of the Arrest and Seizure
The suspect, identified only by the alias Baby Boy, is a 26-year-old resident of Barangay Tabucan. According to police reports, he was arrested after allegedly selling a sachet of shabu to an undercover operative during the carefully planned operation. The arrest was carried out by the Station Drug Enforcement Team of the Dumangas Municipal Council Police Station, with crucial support from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Group – Special Operations Unit 6 (PDEG-SOU 6) and the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit of IPPO.
Substantial Drug Haul Recovered
Authorities seized a total of eight heat-sealed plastic sachets containing approximately 80 grams of shabu, with an estimated street value of P544,000. In addition to the illegal drugs, police confiscated buy-bust money and various non-drug evidence from the scene. Following standard procedure, officers conducted an inventory of all seized items at the location before transporting them to the Dumangas Municipal Council Police Station for laboratory examination and further analysis.
Legal Proceedings and Official Statements
The suspect remains in police custody as authorities prepare to file formal charges against him. He faces allegations of violating Section 5 and Section 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, commonly known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Police have classified Baby Boy as a high-value individual actively involved in the illegal drug trade within the municipality.
Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, Regional Director of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO 6), praised the successful operation, stating: "This successful operation underscores our sustained commitment to maintaining a drug-free and safer Western Visayas. The arrest of a high-value individual and the recovery of a significant volume of illegal drugs send a strong message that PRO 6 will continue to intensify its operations to protect our communities from the harmful effects of illegal drugs."
Community Vigilance Encouraged
General Ligan further urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement by reporting any suspicious activities related to illegal drugs. The operation demonstrates the ongoing efforts of Philippine law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking at both local and regional levels through coordinated intelligence-driven operations.
