Iloilo Police Conduct Dual Operations Leading to Major Arrests
In a significant law enforcement action, operatives from the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) successfully arrested a high-value individual and seized a substantial quantity of illegal drugs and a firearm during a search warrant operation in Barangay Bakhaw, Manduriao District. Simultaneously, in a separate incident, a 34-year-old woman was apprehended for allegedly spreading a bomb threat in Barangay Sooc, Arevalo District, Iloilo City, on March 26, 2026.
Drug Bust Yields P1.42 Million Worth of Shabu
The first operation targeted alias Pato, a 26-year-old construction worker residing in Zone 6, Barangay Bakhaw, Manduriao District. At approximately 10:45 a.m., joint elements of the ICPO City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU), ICPO SWAT Team, and the Regional Police Special Battalion Bakhaw Team executed a search warrant issued on March 23, 2026. The warrant cited violations of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act of 2013.
During the operation, authorities confiscated approximately 210 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of P1,428,000. The illegal substance was contained in five heat-sealed plastic sachets and three knot-tied plastic packs. Additionally, law enforcement recovered a caliber .38 revolver without a serial number and five live ammunition rounds. The suspect is currently under police custody and faces formal charges for the aforementioned violations.
Bomb Threat Suspect Apprehended in Separate Operation
In a distinct law enforcement action, personnel from Iloilo City Police Station 6 arrested Cate, a 34-year-old resident of Osmeña Street, Barangay Sto. Domingo, Arevalo District, at about 9:01 a.m. along C1 Road, Barangay Sooc. This arrest followed a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court, 6th Judicial Region, Branch 31, Iloilo City, on March 23, 2026.
The suspect was charged with malicious dissemination of false information or the willful making of any threat concerning bombs, explosives, or similar devices, in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act 10175 and the Revised Penal Code. Police investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly issued a bomb threat targeting Ramon Avanceña National High School on November 18, 2025. The Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 6 filed the case on November 27, 2025. Bail has been set at P60,000, and the suspect is detained at the ICPS 6 custodial facility pending further legal proceedings.
Police Leadership Commends Operations and Issues Warnings
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, regional director of Police Regional Office 6, commended the operating units for their successful efforts. He emphasized the police force's intensified campaign against illegal drugs and the dissemination of false information. "This successful operation highlights our intensified campaign against illegal drugs and loose firearms. The arrest of this High-Value Individual and the significant volume of illegal drugs seized reflect our unwavering commitment to safeguard our communities," Ligan stated.
Regarding the bomb threat case, Ligan issued a stern warning to the public: "We strongly warn the public against making or spreading false information, especially those that cause panic and fear such as bomb threats. These acts are punishable under the law, and we will not hesitate to take appropriate legal action against offenders. Let this serve as a reminder that responsible use of technology and social media is everyone’s duty."
The Police Regional Office 6 continues to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities while promoting responsible use of digital platforms to ensure overall public safety and maintain peace and order in the region.
