Four Suspected Drug Personalities Apprehended in Bacolod City Following Fatal Shooting
In a swift and decisive police action, four individuals suspected of involvement in drug-related activities were arrested during a hot pursuit operation in Bacolod City. The arrests occurred on April 3, 2026, in Purok Gonzaga, Barangay Taculing, and were directly linked to a violent shooting incident that had transpired just one day prior.
Coordinated Police Effort Leads to Arrests
The operation was spearheaded by the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), in close coordination with multiple local police units. According to Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, chief of the PRO-NIR Public Information Office, the arrests stemmed from an intensive follow-up investigation into a shooting that took place on April 2, 2026, in Purok Maabi-abihon, Barangay Banago. This incident tragically resulted in the death of the victim.
Through relentless intelligence-driven efforts and a rapid response strategy, law enforcement officers were able to track down and apprehend the suspects within less than 24 hours of the shooting. This highlights the effectiveness of coordinated police work in addressing urgent criminal threats.
Details of the Suspects and Seized Evidence
The arrested individuals have been identified using aliases: Tony, 42, from Purok Riverside, Barangay Bata; Win, 39, from Purok Angela Gonzaga, Barangay Vista Alegre; No, 54, from Purok Gonzaga, Barangay Taculing; and Jov, 39, from Barangay Taculing. All are residents of Bacolod City.
During the operation, authorities made significant seizures, including:
- 11 sachets of shabu weighing approximately 60 grams, with an estimated street value of P408,800.
- Two caliber .45 pistols: one Ultra Raptor II with a loaded magazine containing eight live rounds, and one STI pistol.
- Assorted non-drug evidence, such as coin purses and cash totaling P350.
Background of the Suspects and Police Commendation
Lieutenant Colonel Malong provided further context on the suspects' criminal histories. Alias Tony is classified as a high-value drug personality in Bacolod City, having been previously arrested for violations of Republic Act 9165 (the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and implicated in a prior shooting incident in Barangay Banago. Similarly, alias Win and alias No have previous arrests related to illegal drug activities, with Win also suspected in a separate shooting case.
Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay, director of PRO-NIR, praised the Bacolod City Police Office units for their swift and coordinated response, which led to the immediate resolution of the shooting incident. This operation underscores our unwavering commitment to combating violent crimes, illegal drugs, and the proliferation of loose firearms, Ibay stated. He emphasized that the police regional office remains dedicated to ensuring perpetrators are brought to justice swiftly, thereby enhancing public safety and security throughout the Negros Island Region.
The suspects now face charges for violations of Republic Act 10591 (the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and RA 9165, in addition to their involvement in the shooting incident. This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to maintain order and combat criminal elements in the community.
