ILOILO City — A high-value suspect was arrested after authorities seized over P1.3 million worth of suspected shabu and an unlicensed firearm during a raid in Zone 3, Barangay Pali Benedicto, Mandurriao district.
Police identified the arrested as alias “Romar,” 49, unemployed and a resident of Mandurriao.
Authorities said he was allegedly responsible for drug distribution throughout Iloilo City, with a primary focus on the Mandurriao area.
Operatives recovered a substantial cache of illegal items, including 30 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing approximately 200 grams of suspected shabu, valued at P1,360,000; a caliber .38 pistol loaded with four rounds of live ammunition; and four improvised tooters and various drug paraphernalia.
The joint operation, which followed two months of intensive surveillance, was conducted at around 9:52 a.m. on May 7 by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) 6, in coordination with the Iloilo City Police Office’s Police Station 5, City Intelligence Unit, and SWAT team, and the Regional Intelligence Division 6. The search warrant was issued by Branch 39 of the Regional Trial Court in Iloilo City on May 5, 2026.
Police Brigadier General Josefino D. Ligan, director of Police Regional Office 6, lauded the units for their persistence.
“This operation reflects the strong commitment of our police personnel in protecting our communities from the harmful effects of illegal drugs and criminality,” stated Ligan. “The confiscation of these illegal substances and firearm prevented possible threats to public safety and saved many lives from being destroyed by illegal drugs. We will continue to strengthen our operations to ensure safer communities for everyone.”
The suspect is currently in police custody and faces charges for violation of Republic Act (RA) 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act) and RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act)./PN
