In a significant blow to the illegal drug trade in Western Visayas, operatives from the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) successfully apprehended a high-value individual and seized approximately 125 grams of suspected shabu valued at P850,000 during a meticulously planned buy-bust operation. The operation took place in Barangay Ungka 1, Pavia, Iloilo, on the afternoon of February 10, 2026, following an intensive weeklong verification process by law enforcement authorities.
Details of the Arrest and Seizure
The suspect, identified only by the alias "Sent" or "Paul," is a 37-year-old single and unemployed male. He is a resident of Barangay Umilig in Buenavista, Guimaras, but was temporarily staying at Deca Homes Subdivision in Barangay Balabag, Santa Barbara, Iloilo. Authorities have classified him as a high-value individual due to his alleged involvement in the regional drug network.
During the operation, police recovered six plastic sachets containing the suspected shabu, along with buy-bust money and various non-drug items. The estimated street value of the confiscated narcotics was placed at P850,000, underscoring the scale of the illegal activities being targeted.
Coordinated Law Enforcement Efforts
The buy-bust was executed by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) Team 1 of the IPPO, under the leadership of Police Major Dadje Delima. The operation received crucial support from multiple agencies, including the Pavia Municipal Police Station, the Regional Intelligence Unit in Western Visayas, and the Provincial Intelligence Unit, demonstrating a unified approach to combating drug-related crimes.
According to official reports from the IPPO, the operation was initiated based on actionable intelligence provided by a concerned citizen. The PDEU conducted extensive surveillance and verification over approximately one week, which confirmed the suspect's alleged role in sourcing illegal drugs from Iloilo City and distributing them in Pavia and surrounding areas.
Legal Proceedings and Official Statements
The arrested suspect is currently under the custody of the Pavia Municipal Police Station and will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. This legal action highlights the ongoing judicial efforts to hold drug offenders accountable under Philippine law.
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, the regional director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), emphasized that this arrest is a testament to the region's relentless campaign against illegal drugs. "These efforts significantly weaken the presence of illegal substances in our communities," Ligan stated. "The fight against illegal drugs is not solely a law enforcement responsibility but a shared mission to protect our youth and safeguard the future of Western Visayas."
He further encouraged public vigilance and cooperation, adding, "I urge the community to remain alert and actively support our anti-drug initiatives by providing timely and accurate information to the authorities. Through unity and collaboration, achieving a safer and drug-free Region 6 is within our reach."
Commendation from IPPO Leadership
Police Colonel Bayani Razalan, the provincial director of the IPPO, praised the operating team for their successful apprehension of the newly identified high-value individual. In a statement, Razalan said, "Congratulations to our PDEU on the successful anti-illegal drugs operation and the arrest of another high-value drug personality. This is proof that your Ilonggo Cops are constantly monitoring individuals who push illegal drugs. We are working together in this program to protect our province."
This operation underscores the continued dedication of law enforcement agencies in Iloilo and Western Visayas to disrupt drug trafficking networks and promote public safety. The collaboration between police units and community informants remains a critical component in the ongoing battle against narcotics in the region.
