Iloilo: The village chief of Barangay Canawili in Janiuay, Iloilo was arrested for possessing PHP2.78 million worth of illegal drugs in an operation by authorities on Wednesday. The Police Regional Office - Western Visayas (PRO-6) reported that the operation, conducted by the Iloilo Police Provincial Office Drug Enforcement Team 2, along with the Provincial Intelligence Unit and Janiuay Municipal Police Station, led to the seizure of approximately 410 grams of suspected shabu and 8.2 grams of dried marijuana leaves from the suspect, known as alias Junjun, aged 51.

According to Philippines News Agency, the suspect is being held at the Janiuay Municipal Police Station and will face charges for violating Sections 5 and 11 of Article II of the Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. PRO-6 director Josefino Ligan stated that this operation demonstrates a firm stance against corruption, emphasizing that public officials should embody integrity and that decisive actions will be taken against those who compromise public trust.

Furthermore, Ligan reaffirmed PRO-6's commitment to combatting illegal drugs to safeguard communities and ensure a secure, peaceful, and drug-free environment for residents of Western Visayas. In a related response, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., during a media conference, expressed regret over the involvement of a barangay official, underscoring that the accused must face the legal consequences.

Governor Defensor highlighted that penalties are more severe for barangay officials involved in such activities. While acknowledging the ongoing efforts to curb illegal drugs, he noted the sporadic nature of drug distribution in the province, with no organized networks or drug laboratories reported. The governor also mentioned strategic plans to enhance monitoring and intelligence validation at ports of entry to prevent illegal substances from entering the province.