ILOILO — The Iloilo provincial government is strengthening its first line of defense against illegal drugs by deploying K9 narcotics detection dogs to all seaports in the province and the Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan town, following a series of multimillion-peso shabu seizures that heightened fears over province’s drug entry points.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said the provincial government allocated P3.8 million to procure 26 K9 dogs, which have undergone a rigorous 180-day specialized training that began on Jan. 15, 2026 and will culminate with graduation on July 6.
The move aims to intercept illegal drugs before they reach communities, amid indications that narcotics confiscated in recent anti-drug operations may have entered Iloilo through its ports and airport.
“That is the concrete step kay gusto naton punggan ang pagsulod,” Defensor said.
The training, conducted in accordance with national standards, was handled by IPPO-trained K9 handlers with support from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. Twenty-six IPPO personnel also received instruction in narcotics detection, canine handling, and veterinary care.
However, Defensor disclosed that an initial assessment showed four of the 26 K9 dogs failed to meet training standards and may not graduate on July 6.
The governor said authorities remain convinced that illegal drugs are being smuggled into the province through seaports.
“Is not easy kay ti we have ports, may alagyan nga dalan, ports, puede smuggled but we are taking steps,” he said.
Defensor said he is prepared to procure more K9 dogs if needed because not all luggage entering seaports and the airport can be screened by X-ray machines.
The intensified security effort follows recent multimillion-peso shabu seizures, including P13.974 million worth recovered in Oton town from three suspected high-value individuals and P7.786 million worth seized from a Provincial Capitol employee in Santa Barbara town.
The governor said the absence of illegal drug laboratories in Western Visayas strengthens the likelihood that the drugs are being transported into Iloilo from outside the region./PN
