A TOTAL of eight drug suspects were arrested and about 300 grams of shabu worth P2 million were seized in anti-drug operations conducted across Western Visayas from May 21 to May 23 by the Police Regional Office (PRO 6).
Police Brigadier General Jack Wanky, PRO 6 director, said the success of the operations was the result of collaboration among units and community support.
“We sincerely appreciate the dedication and hard work of our drug enforcement teams and the contributions of the various stakeholders that collectively resulted in these accomplishments. Our actions in the fight against illegal drugs reflect our firm resolve to protect the communities and the next generation from the peril of these illegal substances,” Wanky said.
Three of the arrested individuals were identified as high-value targets, while the remaining five were considered street-level suspects.
The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (Ippo) led all units with the biggest haul, seizing shabu valued at P1,632,000 and arresting three individuals.
The Iloilo City Police Office (Icpo) followed with P360,400 worth of drugs confiscated, also resulting in three arrests.
One arrest each was recorded by the Aklan Police Provincial Office (Akppo) and the Antique Police Provincial Office (Antppo).
In a separate operation, the Balasan Municipal Police Station (MPS) arrested the fifth most wanted person (MWP) in Iloilo province on May 21, 2025, in Barangay Tingui-an, Balasan, Iloilo.
The suspect, known by the alias Lino, 55, married, and a resident of Barangay Mamhut Norte, Balasan, was apprehended by virtue of an arrest warrant for acts of lasciviousness in relation to Republic Act (RA) 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. Bail was recommended at P180,000 for his temporary release.
Wanky also commended the arresting team and acknowledged the vital role of public support in locating fugitives.
“Nagpapasalamat po tayo sa mga impormasyon na pinapaabot sa atin ng taong bayan hingil sa mga namonitor nilang wanted persons na nagtatago sa kanilang lokalidad,” Wanky said.
(We are grateful for the information that the people have been providing us regarding the wanted persons they have monitored who are hiding in their locality.)
Lino is currently in police custody awaiting turnover to the concerned court. (Leo Solinap)