ILOILO — The Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO) intensified its campaign against illegal drugs and other crimes in 2025, carrying out 371 anti-drug operations that led to the arrest of 515 individuals and the seizure of narcotics worth more than P165 million, police data showed.
Based on records from the Provincial Operations Management Unit, those arrested included 152 high-value individuals and 361 street-level drug personalities, reflecting sustained law enforcement pressure across the province.
Operatives confiscated 24,488.84 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated market value of P165,965,724.50, along with 72.43 grams of marijuana valued at P10,864.52. A total of 1,065 drug-related cases were filed in connection with the operations.
The IPPO attributed the gains in its anti-drug drive and other law enforcement efforts to the continued support of the Ilonggo community, particularly the backing of the Iloilo provincial government, which helped sustain initiatives aimed at maintaining peace, order, and public safety throughout the province.
Beyond the anti-drug campaign, the IPPO also stepped up operations against wanted persons, conducting 967 operations that resulted in the arrest of 684 individuals and 287 most wanted persons. These included three national-level, 31 regional-level, 78 provincial-level, and 177 municipal-level most wanted fugitives.
Firearms suppression efforts also yielded significant results. Through 145 operations, police arrested 133 individuals, filed 136 cases, confiscated 140 firearms, received 338 surrendered firearms, and deposited 129 firearms, bringing the total number of accounted firearms to 607.
The provincial police also sustained operations against other forms of illegal activity. In its campaign against illegal gambling, the IPPO conducted 95 operations, arresting 219 persons, filing 100 cases, and confiscating P68,515.00 in illegal gambling proceeds.
Efforts to protect marine resources resulted in 79 operations that led to the arrest of 221 individuals and the apprehension of 203 motorboats, with confiscated items valued at P254,830.00.
Environmental protection operations included 188 anti-illegal quarrying operations, which resulted in 221 arrests and the impounding of 219 vehicles used in illegal quarrying activities.
Meanwhile, the IPPO also acted against illegal logging, carrying out seven operations that led to the arrest of 14 individuals and the confiscation of 2,600.5 board feet of lumber, estimated to be worth P143,713.00.
The police said the sustained enforcement efforts underscore the IPPO’s commitment to public safety, environmental protection, and the rule of law across Iloilo province./PN
