The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has reported a significant breakthrough in its ongoing war against illegal narcotics, with personnel successfully confiscating approximately 1,912.2521 grams of prohibited substances valued at an astonishing P13,003,314.28. This major haul was the result of fifty-seven meticulously planned anti-illegal drug operations carried out throughout the entire month of February 2026.
Massive Arrests and Seizures During Major Events
These intensive operations led to the apprehension of seventy-one drug personalities across Iloilo City. Police Colonel Wilbert Parilla, the officer-in-charge of the ICPO, emphasized that these accomplishments were achieved even as the force managed security for major local events, including the vibrant Jaro Fiesta, critical Association of Southeast Asian Nations meetings, and the popular Iloilo-Guimaras Paraw Regatta Festival.
"These figures reflect not only our operational accomplishments but also the lives we help protect," Parilla stated firmly. "Our campaign has no limitations—whether during major celebrations or on ordinary days, our fight continues. ICPO will remain aggressive, intensify its operations, and continue delivering strong results against individuals involved in illegal drug activities."
Breakdown of Arrests and Unit Performance
Detailed data released by the ICPO reveals that among the seventy-one individuals arrested, twenty-three were classified as high-value targets, while forty-eight were considered street-level offenders. Every unit within the ICPO participated actively in this monthlong, citywide campaign.
The City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) emerged as the top performer, recording the highest volume of confiscated drugs at 1,097.6386 grams, with an estimated street value of P7,477,542.48. This unit also made the highest number of arrests, totaling seventeen.
Iloilo City Police Station 2 secured the second position, seizing 400.1985 grams of suspected shabu worth P2,721,349.80 and apprehending six suspects. Meanwhile, Iloilo City Police Station 4 recovered 191.8335 grams of illegal drugs valued at P1,304,476.80, resulting in nine arrests.
The remaining quantities of narcotics were seized by various other operating units during separate, coordinated buy-bust operations conducted across multiple barangays in the city.
Sustained Campaign and Legal Proceedings
These operations form a critical part of the sustained anti-drug campaign spearheaded by the ICPO under the directive of the Police Regional Office-Western Visayas (PRO 6). Authorities confirmed that the intensified operations were implemented alongside heightened security protocols for the major public events held during the period.
All confiscated drugs have been properly documented and are currently undergoing laboratory examination to confirm their composition and purity. Legal teams are actively preparing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, against all suspects involved.
In his concluding remarks, Police Colonel Parilla extended his gratitude to the community for its unwavering support, highlighting that public assistance and cooperation remain absolutely vital components in the relentless campaign to eradicate illegal drugs from the streets of Iloilo City.
