BY NYARIKA DOMANAIS & MARY JOY CAVAÑAS
ILOILO – Iloilo City has the most illegal drugs confiscated, followed by Iloilo province, from various operations from May 24 to Dec. 18, 2023.
Data from Police Regional Office 6 showed that police authorities confiscated P95,047,768.40 worth of illegal drugs in Iloilo City and around P91,878,682.80 in Iloilo province.
They were followed by Bacolod City with P77.7 million in recoveries, Negros Occidental with P30.2 million, Capiz with P5.4 million, Guimaras with P1,009,120, Antique with P972,400, and Aklan with P298,112.
On the number of drug bust operations carried out, Negros Occidental led with 477, followed by Bacolod City (250), Iloilo City (238), Iloilo province (190), Capiz (70), Guimaras (26), Aklan (20), and Antique (14).
Identifying Drug Groups a Challenge
The identification of drug groups in Iloilo City is posing a big challenge to the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), according to Colonel Joeresty Coronica, city police director.
Coronica said today’s situation in the metropolis is unlike before, with only at least two well-known drug groups.
“Mabudlay subong i-determine kon pila na gid ka grupo kay subong nga panahon, free for all na. In pareho sang una nga duha lang ka grupo,” Coronica admitted.
The ICPO director stated that it is also a problem whenever ICPO catches a small-time drug personality as they turn “big time” after being detained at New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City as they establish connections while inside the jail facility.
“Ang connection nag-widen because naka-establish na to sia connections sa iban nga upod niya to sa Munti [nlupa] nga ang iban nakagwa naman,” Coronica added.
Coronica also noted that it is now easier for drug dealers to make transactions.
“With the advancement of technology, madali na lang sila magtransaksyon kag magpadala diri using courier or masakay sa RoRo [roll-on/roll-off vessels],” Coronica stressed.
Coronica said drug personalities should supposedly be rehabilitated and sought the Department of Justice for a solution, including the proposed regionalization of jail facilities in the country. (With a report from RMN Iloilo)/PN
