IN SEPARATE law enforcement operations in Iloilo province, authorities arrested a high-value drug suspect in Dueñas and uncovered a fabricated robbery incident in Tubungan, both operations conducted under the leadership of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO).
At around 3:35 p.m. on April 6, 2025, operatives of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of the IPPO arrested a 21-year-old female, known by her alias Kathlyn, in Barangay Poblacion A, Dueñas, Iloilo. She is listed as a high-value individual (HVI) under the Regional Target Priority List of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
IPPO Director Police Colonel Bayani M. Razalan commended the operatives involved in the arrest. "I commend the outstanding efforts of our PDEU in swiftly addressing the illegal activities of Kathlyn. We are also grateful for the invaluable support from our community in the fight against illegal drugs,” Razalan said.
During the operation, approximately 160 grams of suspected shabu were confiscated, with an estimated standard drug price of P1,088,000. Kathlyn, an unemployed resident of Barangay Igang, Pototan, Iloilo, had been under police surveillance for nearly three months after concerned citizens in Dueñas reported her alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade.
Investigations revealed that Kathlyn was allegedly sourcing the illegal drugs from Manila and distributing them to various areas in the province. She is currently detained at the Dueñas Municipal Police Station (MPS) and faces charges for violating Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Meanwhile, at around 12:30 p.m. on April 3, 2025, the Tubungan MPS received a report from the Leon MPS regarding an alleged robbery involving a delivery van driver and a salesman in Barangay Teniente Benito, Tubungan, Iloilo.
Police Captain Alberto V. Manguilimotan Jr., chief of the Tubungan MPS, led the investigation into the case. According to the initial statement provided by the salesman, identified by the alias Rem, he and his driver, alias RJ, were traveling from Barangay Camangahan in Guimbal, Iloilo, heading to Leon and Tigbauan for deliveries when they were allegedly robbed.
Rem claimed that around 11:30 a.m., while passing Sitio Sunugan in Barangay Teniente Benito, Tubungan, two unidentified individuals blocked their vehicle. Both suspects were reportedly wearing shirts over their heads—one in a black sweatshirt and the other in a fatigue jacket—and allegedly armed with unknown firearms. They allegedly took P58,300 in cash before fleeing.
However, after a thorough investigation by the Tubungan MPS, it was determined that no robbery took place at the said location and time. This conclusion was based on the statement of the driver, RJ, witness testimonies, and supporting evidence.
Due to these findings, the Tubungan MPS will file criminal charges against Rem for making a false report.
Razalan praised the Tubungan police for their diligence in resolving the case. "Those who choose to fabricate incidents will face the full weight of the law and may find themselves behind bars. It is better to refrain from doing so,” he said.
The IPPO urged the public to remain truthful and responsible when reporting incidents to the authorities. Filing false reports not only hampers police operations but also carries legal consequences under existing laws. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)