ILOILO City – Police seized more than P8.6 million worth of illegal drugs and arrested 20 suspected drug personalities in a weeklong anti-drug campaign carried out at the height of the Dinagyang Festival 2026, authorities said.
From January 19 to 25, operatives of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) conducted 14 anti-illegal drug operations across the city, resulting in the confiscation of around 1,270 grams of illegal drugs, mostly shabu, with an estimated value of P8,636,000.
Police records showed that nine of those arrested were classified as high-value individuals, while 11 were street-level offenders, highlighting what authorities described as an intensified crackdown aimed at keeping the city secure during the weeklong religious and cultural celebrations.
The City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) logged the largest haul, confiscating illegal drugs worth P5.95 million and arresting four suspects.
Other significant operations were carried out by Police Station 2, which seized P646,000 worth of drugs and arrested three suspects; Police Station 4, with P571,200 worth of drugs recovered and five arrests; and Police Station 9, which netted P496,400 worth of illegal drugs and arrested two suspects.
Other ICPO units also contributed to the series of operations during the seven-day period.
Police Colonel Wilbert Parilla, officer-in-charge of the ICPO, said the results underscore the police force’s determination to protect the public, particularly during large-scale events that draw massive crowds.
“These figures reflect not only our operational success but also the number of lives and families we have protected from the destructive effects of illegal drugs, especially during the heightened activities brought about by the Dinagyang Festival,” Parilla said.
He added: “Whether during major celebrations or ordinary days, ICPO will not be complacent. We will remain aggressive, intensify our operations, and continue delivering strong blows against individuals involved in illegal drug activities.”
All suspects are currently under police custody and will face charges for violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The ICPO also thanked the public for their cooperation, stressing that community support remains vital in sustaining peace and order, especially during major events such as Dinagyang./PN
