ILOILO — More than P60 million worth of suspected shabu was seized and 137 drug suspects, including 56 high-value individuals (HVIs), were arrested as the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) intensified its anti-illegal drugs campaign across Western Visayas in 109 operations from January 1 to 31, 2026.
Records from PRO-6 showed that operatives confiscated 8,917.10 grams of suspected shabu with a street value exceeding P60 million, along with 44.20 grams of kush worth about P66,300, and 48.20 grams of marijuana valued at P5,784.
The month-long crackdown targeted both HVIs and street-level individuals through intelligence-driven buy-busts and search-warrant operations.
One of the largest hauls was recorded on January 23 in Barangay Binon-an, Batad, Iloilo, where police arrested an HVI identified as “Mico” and a street-level suspect known as “Inday.” The operation yielded about 1,282 grams of suspected shabu with a Standard Drug Price (SDP) of P8,717,600, in what authorities described as a major blow to the local drug trade.
Another high-profile arrest involved an incumbent barangay chairman from San Dionisio, Iloilo, identified only as “Matmat,” 39, also classified as an HVI. During a January 14 operation, law enforcers seized nearly 955 grams of suspected shabu valued at P6,494,000.
The operation was carried out by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit–Team 2, in coordination with the Provincial Intelligence Unit, Sara Municipal Police Station, the 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency–6.
On January 22, police also arrested “Dodoy,” a construction worker and HVI, in Sitio Kalubihan, Barangay San Antonio, Iloilo City, during an evening operation that resulted in the recovery of significant quantities of illegal drugs.
Police Brigadier General Josefin Ligan, PRO-6 regional director, credited the results to coordinated operations and community-backed intelligence, saying, “This accomplishment reflects the resolve of PRO6 personnel in safeguarding our communities from the scourge of illegal drugs.”
He added, “We remain steadfast in our mission and dedicated to ensuring the safety and welfare of the people of Western Visayas.”
Ligan urged local government units, barangay officials, and residents to stay vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities, stressing the importance of community participation in sustaining the anti-drug drive.
All suspects arrested in January are facing charges under Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002./PN
