THE Iloilo City Police Office's (Icpo) anti-drug campaign has resulted in the confiscation of P157,007,742.66 worth of substance believed to be shabu and P14,836.21 worth of marijuana in Iloilo City from July 2024 to May 2025.
Over the 10-month period, 529 police operations, led by Police Colonel Kim Legada, director of Icpo, resulted in the seizure of 23,089.3739 grams of shabu and 123.6351 grams of marijuana, and the arrest of 735 drug personalities.
“These milestones show our unwavering commitment and dedication to curbing the illegal drug menace. While we are encouraged by the numbers, it is saddening to realize that without our serious efforts, these illegal drugs could have destroyed the future of our children, shattered the dreams of families, and weakened our nation," Legada said.
He urged the PNP to unite and support them in the battle, stating that under his leadership, they will not relent, and there will be no rewinds or retakes in saving lives.
According to data released by the Icpo, of the 735 individuals arrested, 189 were identified as high-value individuals (HVIs), 532 were street-level individuals (SLIs), seven were arrested by virtue of warrants, five were not listed suspects, and two were minors.
The anti-drug operations were carried out across multiple ICPO units, each contributing significantly to the total volume of illegal drugs seized:
- City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU): 9,021.1997 grams, worth P61,344,157.96
- Iloilo City Police Station (ICPS) 1 : 2,512.0154 grams, worth P17,081,704.72
- ICPS 10: 2,291.45093 grams, worth P15,581,866.32
- ICPS 4: 2,022.2970 grams, worth P13,751,619.60
- Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) in Western Visayas, in coordination with ICPO units: 2,000.9720 grams, worth P13,606,609.60
- ICPS 9: 1,235.3373 grams, worth P8,400,293.64
All other Icpo stations also contributed to the campaign's success. Legada took command of the Icpo on July 23, 2024, during a formal turnover ceremony from Police Colonel Joeresty Coronica, who was appointed as the new City Director of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO).
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas commended the Icpo’s achievements and expressed full support for the continued anti-drug efforts.
From July 23, 2024 to May 23, 2025, under Legada's command, the Icpo confiscated over P157 million worth of suspected shabu, arrested 735 drug suspects, and conducted 529 anti-drug operations.
“I give my highest commendation to Police Colonel Kim Legada for his strong and effective leadership in our city’s continuing war against illegal drugs,” Treñas said.
He emphasized the police force's bravery and dedication, as well as their resolve to eradicate drugs that harm communities, young lives, and threaten Iloilo City's future, highlighting their accomplishments.
He added, “Legada’s commitment to the campaign, along with the collective efforts of the entire Icpo, shows that we can achieve a safer, drug-free Iloilo City when leadership, discipline, and public service converge with a shared goal.”
As the Icpo’s drug war enters its next phase, Legada reaffirmed the office's commitment to relentless enforcement, community cooperation, and proactive prevention to keep the city safe and drug-free. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)