Iloilo city: Anti-drug operations in Iloilo City and Iloilo province have resulted in the seizure of suspected shabu valued at PHP6 million and the arrest of three high-value drug suspects - a barangay official, a part-time college instructor, and a fisher, police said Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the biggest haul came from Estancia town in Iloilo province, where police arrested a 62-year-old fisher, identified only as alias Reno, during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Tabu-an on Tuesday afternoon. A report from the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 (Western Visayas) said authorities seized 354 grams of suspected shabu valued at about PHP2.4 million. Police said Reno had been under surveillance for nearly two months and was believed to be supplying illegal drugs in Estancia and nearby municipalities in Iloilo's 5th District.
"This is the result of effective intelligence gathering and coordination among our police units," PRO-6 acting director Brig. Gen. Randulf Tua±o said in a statement. "We will continue to run after high-value drug personalities and hold accountable all those involved in the illegal drug trade to ensure safer communities."
In Iloilo City, operatives of the City Drug Enforcement Unit arrested a barangay councilor, identified as alias Bulldog, during a separate operation in Barangay Ortiz, City Proper District on Tuesday afternoon. The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) said authorities confiscated about 330 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of more than PHP2.24 million.
In another operation in Barangay Jalandoni Estate, Lapuz District on Monday evening, police arrested a 37-year-old part-time college instructor identified as alias Mark. Authorities recovered about 200 grams of suspected shabu worth an estimated PHP1.36 million. The three suspects will face charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
ICPO Director Col. Wilbert Parilla said the operations underscore the city's continuing anti-illegal drug campaign. "We will continue to intensify our efforts against drug personalities while encouraging the public to remain vigilant and support our campaign for a safer and drug-free Iloilo City," Parilla said.
