TWO high-value individuals (HVIs) were arrested during a buy-bust operation along Sunset Boulevard, Barangay Sooc, Arevalo District, Iloilo City, with authorities confiscating 530 grams of substance believed to be shabu worth P3,604,000 at 10:24 p.m. on July 26, 2025.
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, regional director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), said the operation was conducted by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit in Western Visayas (RPDEU 6) with support from multiple law enforcement units.
"This accomplishment is a strong message to all those involved in the illegal drug trade—your days are numbered. We will not stop. We will relentlessly pursue those who destroy the lives of our people and work to ensure that they are brought to justice. The safety and well-being of the public remain our top priority," Ligan said.
The suspects were identified as alias Bensoy, 23, single, jobless, and a resident of Zone 8, Barangay Calumpang, Molo District, Iloilo City, and alias RM, 30, single, jobless, and a resident of Zone 6, Barangay Calumpang, Molo District, Iloilo City.
Operatives from the RPDEU 6 conducted the operation with assistance from the Provincial Drug Enforcement Group (PDEU), Special Operations Unit in Western Visayas (SOU 6), City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU), Iloilo City Police Office (Icpo), and Iloilo City Police Station (ICPS) 6.
During the operation, authorities recovered six plastic sachets and six plastic bags containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, along with buy-bust money used in the transaction. Police also confiscated a green Honda Accord sedan with pertinent documents and an ignition key but without license plates attached.
Police Colonel Kim Legada, city director of the Iloilo City Police Office (Icpo) aims to intensify their campaign against illegal drugs and urges the public to report any suspicious activities to authorities.
"We will continue to strengthen our campaign against illegal drugs here in Iloilo City. We are appealing to everyone to continue the fight against the menace of illegal drugs. Report to authorities any suspicious activities relative to illegal drugs, and we will run after them," Legada said.
Both suspects are currently under police custody for documentation and preparation of criminal charges under Republic Act (RA) 9165, or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Ligan commended the operating teams for their swift and coordinated action in executing the buy-bust operation. The regional director emphasized that law enforcement agencies will continue their never-ending search for individuals involved in illegal drug trade activities.
PRO 6 is intensifying its anti-illegal drug operations in Iloilo City and surrounding municipalities, working with units to identify and arrest individuals involved in drug trafficking and distribution networks.
Authorities encourage the public to report suspicious drug-related activities to law enforcement agencies for maintaining peace and order. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)