A 29-YEAR-OLD jobless man was arrested during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Banban, Pequeño, Calinog, Iloilo, following a month-long surveillance by the Iloilo Police Provincial Office Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (Ippo-PDEU), at 5:15 p.m. on July 25, 2025.
Police Colonel Bayani Razalan, provincial director of Ippo, said the operation targeted alias Michael, a resident of Barangay Ipil, Calinog, Iloilo, who was classified as a high-value individual (HVI) in illegal drug activities.
Operatives led by Police Major Dadje Delima confiscated approximately 80 grams of suspected shabu from the suspect's possession with an estimated street value of P544,000.
The operation began with a tip from a concerned citizen, prompting authorities to conduct intensive surveillance for nearly one month. Intelligence gathered during this period indicated the suspect allegedly sourced narcotics from Iloilo City and distributed them across Calinog, Lambunao, and Passi City in Iloilo province.
The arrest was conducted by the Ippo-PDEU in coordination with local police units. The suspect is currently detained at Calinog Municipal Police Station (MPS) pending the filing of criminal charges under Republic Act 9165, or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
"Ang aton kampanya batok sa ilegal nga droga ang magapadayon, ang inyo mga Ilonggo Cops ang dedikado nga sikopon ang mga indibidwal nga may kahilabtanan sa ilegal nga aktibidad kag pasabton sang ila krimen sa aton hustisya," Razalan stated.
(Our campaign against illegal drugs will continue, your Ilonggo Cops are dedicated to arresting individuals involved in illegal activities and holding them accountable for their crimes in our justice.)
Razalan commended the PDEU for their persistent efforts in anti-illegal drug operations and expressed gratitude for the continued support from the community. He emphasized the crucial role of citizen cooperation in the ongoing campaign against illegal drugs.
The operation demonstrates the effectiveness of community involvement in law enforcement efforts, with the initial tip from a concerned citizen leading to the month-long investigation that resulted in the suspect's arrest.
Under Razalan's leadership, the Ippo maintains its commitment to combating illegal drugs while upholding integrity, due process, and human rights in accordance with the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief's strategic directives and the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6) regional director's priority initiatives.
The successful operation reflects ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies in Western Visayas to dismantle drug distribution networks operating across multiple municipalities in the province.
Michael is facing charges under the comprehensive dangerous drugs law, which could result in severe penalties for those involved in the manufacture, distribution, and possession of illegal substances.
The arrest is part of broader anti-drug initiatives in Iloilo province, with law enforcement encouraging citizens to report suspicious activities to maintain peace and order in their communities. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)