ILOILO City — Police in Western Visayas seized more than half a billion pesos worth of illegal drugs in 2025, underscoring what authorities described as an intensified and sustained regional crackdown that led to thousands of arrests and the dismantling of drug operations across the region.
Data from Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) showed that P514 million worth of illegal drugs were confiscated from January 1 to December 31, 2025, following 1,806 anti-illegal drug operations conducted throughout Western Visayas. These operations resulted in the arrest of 560 high-value individuals and 1,738 street-level individuals.
PRO-6 regional director Brigadier General Josefino Ligan said the figures reflect the police force’s relentless campaign against illegal drugs, which he said continue to threaten communities and young people.
“This shows that our campaign against illegal drugs is continuous and aggressive. We will not relent because drugs destroy families, communities, and the future of our youth,” Ligan said during a press conference.
Ligan said police operations will be further intensified in 2026, with a sharper focus on drug syndicates and supply routes entering the region.
“We are expanding our strategies not only on arrests but also on prevention, intelligence gathering, and coordination with other agencies. Our goal is to dismantle drug networks, not just arrest users,” he said.
The PRO-6 chief also welcomed the plan of the Iloilo Provincial Government to establish operation centers in major ports across the province, calling it a “very positive development” that would help strengthen border security.
“Ports are critical entry points. Having operation centers in every port will greatly help us monitor the movement of passengers and cargo, and prevent illegal drugs from entering or leaving the region,” Ligan said.
He added that tighter monitoring of ports and transport hubs would complement inland police operations, making it more difficult for drug traffickers to operate.
Ligan also urged local government units, barangay officials, and residents to remain vigilant and actively support the anti-drug drive.
“Law enforcement cannot do this alone. We need the cooperation of the community and local leaders. Information from the ground is very important in stopping illegal drug activities,” he said./PN
