Iloilo city: A former policeman and two other high-value individuals were apprehended in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Navais, Mandurriao, yielding 200 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP1.36 million.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) disclosed that the suspects were identified as alias To Pepit, 60, a former police officer marked as absent without official leave; alias Mark, 37; and alias Noel, 47. The operation was conducted by operatives from Iloilo City Police Station 10, who recovered four heat-sealed and three knot-tied transparent plastic sachets of suspected shabu.

ICPO Director Col. Wilbert Parilla emphasized that the operation serves as a warning to those involved in the illegal drug trade, stating that their campaign against illegal drugs will persist aggressively and within legal boundaries.

The Police Regional Office 6 (Western Visayas) revealed in a separate report that the suspects were allegedly engaged in illegal drug activities during the operation. To Pepit, residing in Navais, owns a motor shop, while Mark, from Barangay Katilingban, Molo, works as a mechanic, and Noel, from Barangay San Isidro, Jaro, is a driver. The former police officer is linked to a previous drug-related case and suspected of involvement in illegal drug activities in Mandurriao and nearby municipalities.

PRO-6 acting Director Brig. Gen. Randulf Tua±o reiterated the regional headquarters' determination to target high-value drug personalities and dismantle illegal drug networks in Western Visayas. Tua±o stressed that no one involved in illegal drugs will be exempt from accountability, regardless of their status or past affiliations.