ILOILO City — Officers of the Iloilo City Police Station 8 (ICPS-8) arrested a 21-year-old construction worker in a buy-bust operation at around 6:48 p.m. on Monday, February 9, in Barangay Libertad, Lapuz district.
The suspect, identified as Joriel John “Nonoy Janjan” Mandate, a resident of Barangay Tabuc Suba, La Paz district, was caught after selling a plastic sachet of suspected shabu to a police poseur buyer for P1,000.
Police recovered four additional plastic sachets of the illegal substance concealed inside a neon-colored pencil case. The total weight of the seized drugs reached approximately four grams, with a standard drug price of P27,200.
Mandate, meanwhile, admitted to engaging in the illegal drug trade only a month ago. He claimed he turned to selling drugs out of desperation to provide for his child, specifically citing the need to buy milk.
Police Captain Ma. Toni Grace Troncoso, officer-in-charge of ICPS-8, stated that the arrest followed two weeks of surveillance.
“Our team worked diligently to monitor Mandate’s movements. This operation is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety of our community from the pervasive threat of illegal drugs,” she said.
Investigations further revealed that Mandate’s supply allegedly originated from Barangay Ingore, La Paz. His primary targets were reportedly local e-bike drivers operating in the Lapuz district and some residents of Sitio Kawayanan, an area where he has deep community ties.
“Every gram of these substances poses a danger to our community. This operation reflects our resolve to combat the drug menace that afflicts many families,” Troncoso added.
Mandate is currently in the custody of ICPS-8. He faces charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002./PN
