POLICE Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6) arrested four high-value individuals (HVIs) and confiscated more than 440 grams of suspected shabu in separate buy-bust operations in Iloilo City and Passi City, while also apprehending the region’s fourth most wanted person in Antique on July 30 and July 31, 2025.
Around 2:05 p.m. on July 30, 2025, the Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) of Passi City Police Station (CPS) conducted a buy-bust operation in Barangay Punong, Passi City, Iloilo, which led to the arrest of an HVI identified as alias Nonoy, 36, driver and resident of Leganes, Iloilo. The operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 150 grams of suspected shabu, two sachets of suspected marijuana leaves, buy-bust money, and other non-drug paraphernalia.
“I laud the efforts of Passi CPS operating units for this accomplishment. This speaks about their dedication and continuous efforts to eliminate illegal drugs in the region,” said Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, regional director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6).
In Iloilo City, three separate drug operations were conducted within 24 hours, resulting in the arrest of three HVIs and the recovery of more than 290 grams of suspected shabu.
Around 1:13 a.m. on July 31, 2025, a buy-bust operation in Barangay Taal, Molo District, Iloilo City, conducted by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) in Western Visayas and Iloilo City Police Station (ICPS) 4, led to the arrest of alias Ric, 27, from La Paz District, Iloilo City.
Seized during the operation were three sachets and two knot-tied bags containing shabu with an estimated weight of 165 grams. Also recovered were buy-bust and proceeds money, a sling bag, empty sachets, a black RS Honda motorcycle, a cellular phone, and other non-drug items.
“I extend my commendation to our operatives for their dedication and swift action in the recent successful operation that led to the seizure of illegal drugs and the arrest of a suspect involved in illegal drug activities,” Ligan said. “This accomplishment is a clear manifestation of our unwavering commitment to the PNP’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs.”
At 6:50 p.m. on July 30, 2025, ICPS 9 arrested alias Rod, 32, HVI and resident of Molo District, Iloilo City, during a buy-bust operation in Sitio Matawhay, Barangay Tabuc Suba, Jaro District. Confiscated from the suspect were approximately 55 grams of shabu.
Hours later, at 12:40 a.m. on July 31, 2025, ICSP 10 apprehended alias Potpot, 31, a resident of Mandurriao District, Iloilo City, in Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao District. Potpot, who had a prior arrest for drug charges, yielded about 70 grams of suspected shabu during the operation.
“These successive operations clearly demonstrate our commitment to rid our communities of illegal drugs. We are not merely seizing substances—we are cutting off lifelines of criminal networks that prey on the future of our youth. Let us remain steadfast in our mission. I urge all units to sustain the momentum and continue building strong collaboration with the community,” Ligan said.
In total, P2,992,000 or 440 grams worth of shabu was confiscated from the suspects in Iloilo.
Meanwhile, in Barangay Funda-Dalipe, San Jose, Antique, around 3:37 p.m. on July 30, 2025, operatives from the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of the Antique Police Provincial Office (Antppo), along with the San Jose Municipal Police Station (MPS), arrested alias Tope, the top four most wanted person in the region.
The 38-year-old jobless suspect from Kalibo, Aklan, was arrested by virtue of a warrant issued on December 19, 2024, for the crime of rape by sexual assault under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Act 8353. The court recommended a bail of P200,000.
The arrested suspects from all operations are currently under police custody for proper disposition and the filing of appropriate charges in violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)