Iloilo: Two separate operations in two municipalities in Iloilo led to the seizure of nearly PHP9.3 million worth of illegal drugs, resulting in the arrest of a village chief and another high-value target, as reported by the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6).

According to Philippines News Agency, one of the operations on Wednesday evening resulted in the capture of approximately 955 grams of suspected shabu, valued at PHP6.49 million, from a suspect known as alias 'Matmat,' who is the village chief of Tuble, San Dionisio. The Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) Team 3 of Iloilo Police Provincial Office, in collaboration with Sara Municipal Police Station, 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company, and Provincial Intelligence Unit, carried out the operation around 7:25 p.m. in Barangay Devera, municipality of Sara.

The operatives retrieved 15 sachets of suspected shabu, buy-bust money, and other non-drug items from the suspect. PDEU head Maj. Dadji Delima stated in media interviews that the suspect was placed under surveillance for almost one month and was believed to be sourcing his supply from the town of Estancia, with his market extending to neighboring towns in Iloilo's fifth district.

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. remarked that the barangay official must face charges and will be replaced through succession. 'Our barangay officials are treated like the rest of the possible offenders in drugs - as individuals who can also engage in illegal drug trade and can use drugs,' he commented.

In a separate operation, a 42-year-old man was apprehended in Barangay Cabugao Sur, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo, on Wednesday afternoon, where operatives discovered approximately 410 grams of shabu worth PHP2.8 million. Seized from the suspect were 11 plastic sachets and six knot-tied transparent plastic bags containing suspected shabu, along with buy-bust money, proceeds money, and various drug and non-drug paraphernalia.

PRO-6 director, Brig. Gen. Josefino Ligan praised the operatives for their successful operations, stating, 'The arrest of a high-value individual and the seizure of a significant volume of illegal drugs underscore our firm commitment to protecting our communities and preventing the proliferation of dangerous substances.'

The suspects are currently facing charges for violating Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.