Major Drug Bust in Iloilo Nets Former Police Officer and Barangay Official
In a significant blow to illegal drug operations in Western Visayas, three drug personalities were arrested in a carefully planned buy-bust operation in Barangay Licu-an, Dingle, Iloilo. The operation, conducted on Sunday, February 15, 2026, resulted in the seizure of approximately 310 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of P2,108,000.
High-Profile Arrests Send Strong Message
Among those apprehended were two particularly concerning individuals: a 51-year-old former member of the Philippine National Police (PNP) identified as a high-value individual (HVI), and a 55-year-old incumbent barangay kagawad who was newly classified as an HVI. The third suspect, a 28-year-old street-level individual (SLI), completes the trio of arrested residents from Barangay Licu-an.
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, regional director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), emphasized the significance of these arrests: "Let this serve as a strong warning that no one is above the law. Regardless of status, position, or former affiliation, we will relentlessly pursue individuals involved in the illegal drug trade. This operation demonstrates our firm commitment to cleanse our communities from the menace of illegal drugs."
Six-Month Investigation Culminates in Successful Operation
The operation was the result of meticulous police work spanning half a year. According to authorities, the investigation began with information provided by concerned citizens regarding the suspects' alleged illegal drug activities. After six months of validation, surveillance, and case buildup, operatives confirmed the reports and executed the buy-bust at 3:05 p.m. on February 15.
The Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) Team 2 of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (Ippo), under the leadership of Police Major Dadje Delima, carried out the operation with crucial support from the Dingle Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Ippo.
Significant Drug Evidence Confiscated
During the operation, authorities confiscated substantial evidence including:
- One heat-sealed plastic sachet used as the buy-bust item
- Four large heat-sealed plastic sachets containing shabu
- Two regular-sized heat-sealed plastic sachets containing shabu
- Buy-bust money
- Various non-drug items
Investigators revealed that the suspects allegedly sourced their illegal drugs from Iloilo City and distributed them within Dingle, Iloilo, highlighting the inter-municipal nature of the drug trade.
Legal Proceedings and Continued Vigilance
The three suspects are currently under the custody of the Dingle MPS awaiting proper disposition. Authorities have confirmed that charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, will be filed against all individuals involved.
Police Colonel Bayani Razalan, provincial director of the Ippo, commended the operating units for their successful execution of the operation. The Ippo has pledged to sustain its intensified anti-illegal drug campaign to curb the proliferation of illegal drugs throughout the province.
General Ligan further emphasized the regional commitment: "The PRO 6 will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations in close coordination with local government units and the community to ensure a safer and drug-free Western Visayas." This operation represents a significant victory in the ongoing battle against illegal narcotics in the region.
