THE Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6) conducted a successful one-day operation against illegal drugs, resulting in the arrest of eight suspects and the confiscation of approximately 211 grams of suspected shabu, valued at P1.4 million, on Sunday, December 1, 2024.
PRO 6 Regional Director Police Brigadier General Jack Wanky commended the efforts of the personnel and unit commanders who contributed to the success of the operation.
“We would also like to thank the other law enforcement agencies for their unwavering support in our campaign against illegal drugs. The partnership we have clearly demonstrates our strong resolve to put an end to this problem,” Wanky said.
He also expressed gratitude to community members for providing critical information that led to the identification and arrest of the suspects.
Among those apprehended, one was tagged as a high-value individual (HVI), while the remaining seven were classified as street-level individuals.
The arrests were distributed across police units as follows:
-- Antique Police Provincial Office and Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO): one arrest each
-- Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) and Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO): three arrests each
The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) recorded the largest drug recovery during the operation, amounting to approximately P1,292,000.
The most significant operation of the day was conducted by Iloilo City Police Station (ICPS) 10. Around 5:35 p.m. on November 30, 2024, police arrested alias Batoy, 39, an HVI, at Barangay Bakhaw, Mandurriao District, Iloilo City.
Authorities seized 150 grams of suspected shabu, valued at P1,020,000, a .38-caliber revolver, four live cartridges, and one empty cartridge from the suspect.
The suspects are now in custody and face charges for their alleged involvement in illegal drug activities. Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas praised the ICPO's unwavering commitment to combating illegal drugs.
"Each successful operation, such as the recent apprehension of a high-value target in Bakhaw, Mandurriao, sends a strong message to those who perpetuate this menace: there is no room for drugs in Iloilo City," Treñas said.
The mayor congratulated the ICPO for their dedication, transparency, and professionalism, pledging to continue supporting them to ensure a safe, drug-free, and progressive city for all Ilonggos.
"We commend the ICPO for their dedication, transparency, and professionalism. The City Government will continue to stand with them and provide all the support necessary to ensure that Iloilo City remains a safe, drug-free, and progressive city for every Ilonggo," Treñas said.
The operations in Western Visayas were carried out from 6 a.m. on November 30 to 5:59 a.m. on December 1, 2024.
In total, the operation reflects the ongoing commitment of law enforcement in Western Visayas to combat illegal drugs and maintain public safety.
A successful drug operation in the region led to eight arrests and the seizure of P1.4 million worth of suspected shabu and a firearm, supported by police units and community information.
ICPO City Director Police Colonel Kim Legarda praised the efforts of ICPS 10 in successfully carrying out this operation, stating, “I congratulate our personnel from ICPS 10 for their unwavering commitment in our fight against illegal drugs. Under the leadership of Police Captain Val Cambel, Officer-in-Charge, they were able to arrest this suspect and recover an unlicensed firearm.”
ICPS 10 has also been recognized for its exceptional performance in November, having conducted 13 operations and seized over 300 grams of suspected shabu.
Legarda further remarked, “ICPS 10 has achieved the highest total accomplishments among the 10 police stations of ICPO for November, with 13 operations and the confiscation of more than 300 grams of shabu."
Legarda emphasized that the achievements of the ICPO’s drug enforcement team are a reflection of their dedication to the safety and welfare of the community.
He urged the Ilonggo community to continue supporting the police in their ongoing battle against illegal drugs.
"The relentless efforts of my commanders on the ground show our commitment to our Ilonggo community that we will continue this fight against this menace, and I encourage the community to support us,” Legarda added. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)