TWO high-value individuals (HVIs) were arrested in separate anti-drug operations conducted by the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) on the evening of July 7, 2025. Authorities confiscated approximately 120 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of P816,000.
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, acting regional director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), commended the ICPO for their successful operations.
“These operations reflect our sustained efforts to rid Western Visayas of illegal drugs and protect our communities from the harm they cause. We will not stop until every individual involved in the drug trade is brought to justice,” Ligan said. He added that the police mandate is to serve with integrity, act with resolve, and ensure a safer region for all.
The first operation, conducted by personnel of Iloilo City Police Station (ICPS) 3, occurred at about 6:50 p.m. in Barangay Buhang, Jaro District. This operation led to the arrest of a suspect identified only as alias Borja, 49, a resident of La Paz District.
Officers seized one sachet of suspected shabu from the buy-bust transaction, along with nine additional sachets, P2,600 in marked money, and other non-drug items. The confiscated drugs had an estimated value of P408,000.
At approximately 7:15 p.m., ICPS 1, in coordination with the City Intelligence Unit (CIU) and the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU), carried out another buy-bust operation in Barangay Magsaysay, City Proper District. The suspect, known by the alias Negra, 57, was arrested after selling a sachet of suspected shabu to an undercover police officer.
Authorities also recovered six additional sachets of suspected shabu, P12,000 in marked money, and various non-drug items. The seized drugs were also valued at an estimated P408,000.
Both suspects are currently in the custody of ICPS 3 and ICPS 1, respectively.
Charges for violations of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, will be filed against them. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)