ILOILO — An incumbent barangay kagawad tagged as a high-value individual was apprehended after yielding over P200,000 worth of suspected illegal drugs during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Pajo, Lambunao town, on Saturday afternoon, June 6.
The suspect, identified only by his alias “Elvis,” 31, is a resident of the said village. He was caught at around 5:47 p.m. in a joint operation launched by operatives of the Lambunao Municipal Police Station (MPS) and Team 2 of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office – Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (IPPO-PDEU).
Confiscated during the sting were approximately 30 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price of P204,000, buy-bust money, and non-drug-related items.
Police intelligence revealed that the suspect had been placed under close surveillance for nearly two months prior to his arrest due to his alleged distribution network stretching across Lambunao and neighboring towns.
The suspect is currently detained at the Lambunao MPS, facing charges for violating Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
Police Brigadier General Randulf T. Tuaño, director of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6), lauded the operating units for their precision and reaffirmed that public office is not a shield against criminal accountability.
“This operation sends a strong message that no position, influence, or title can shield anyone from accountability. Public officials are expected to become partners in protecting communities against illegal drugs, not contributors to the problem. PRO-6 will continue to pursue all individuals involved in the illegal drug trade with fairness and without exception,” Tuaño said.
He also urged public officials to remain active partners in sustaining peace, order, and public safety in their respective communities./PN
