Iloilo city: The Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 (Western Visayas) confiscated illegal drugs with an estimated street value of PHP43.8 million and arrested 177 suspects in April, officials reported Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the PRO-6 conducted 137 anti-drug operations in the region, resulting in the seizure of 6.4 kilograms of illegal drugs. These operations led to the arrest of 51 high-value individuals, 119 street-level individuals, and seven newly-identified personalities.
During a media conference, PRO6 director Brig. Gen Josefino Ligan disclosed that there was a slight decrease in operational accomplishments against illegal drugs, as the amount seized in April was lower compared to March and February. Despite the downturn, Ligan emphasized the ongoing commitment to combat illegal drugs in the region.
Ligan expressed hope that other local government units would emulate the provincial government of Iloilo's initiative of offering bounties for information leading to the arrest of suspected drug pushers. He highlighted the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to address the illegal drug menace effectively.
The community-based rehabilitation program for persons who use drugs (PWUDs) was also credited for its impact on the campaign against illegal drugs. Since the beginning of the year, 17,311 PWUDs have graduated from rehabilitation centers in Western Visayas, contributing to the efforts of the Barangay Drug Clearing Program.
