TWO women were arrested in Barangay East Baluarte, Molo District, Iloilo City, for allegedly possessing and selling illegal drugs valued at around P816,000 at around 1:40 p.m. on December 26, 2024.
Authorities identified the suspects as alias Yenyen or Nene, 29, a married Iloilo City Hall employee under the Beautification Department, and alias Jen, 50, a housemaid.
Officers from the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) City Drug Enforcement Unit, led by Police Captain Ryan Christ Inot and Police Lieutenant Joelie John Bandojo, with support from Iloilo City Police Station (ICPS) 4 Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) personnel and the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) in Western Visayas, set up the buy-bust.
Two body-worn cameras were used during the entire police operation.
The confiscated items, which included one heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet of suspected shabu used as buy-bust evidence, along with additional sachets and plastic bags of suspected shabu, weighed a total of about 120 grams and had a standard drug price of P6,800 per gram.
Police also recovered P14,000 in buy-bust money, including one P100 bill.
ICPO Director Police Colonel Kim Legada said the suspects are considered high-value individuals (HVI) and have been placed under the custody of ICPS 4.
The confiscated items will be turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit in Western Visayas (RFU 6) for further analysis.
In a statement issued shortly after the operation, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, on December 26, 2024, said, “I want to make it absolutely clear that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated under any circumstance. As such, her employment with the City Government will be terminated immediately.”
Treñas stated that the city government strictly enforces high standards of conduct among its employees, and any involvement in illegal activities is grounds for termination.
He also announced plans to conduct random drug testing for all new hires starting next year.
“In light of this incident, pursuant to Memorandum Order 282, I would also like to announce the implementation of random drug testing for all new hires starting next year. Additionally, drug testing will be required for all City Government employees in the coming year. These measures aim to ensure that all personnel in the government maintain a high level of integrity and are free from involvement in illegal activities, particularly the dangerous and damaging influence of drugs,” Treñas said.
Treñas commended the efforts of the ICPO for taking swift action.
“The success of this operation, led by Police Captain Ryan Christ Inot and Police Lieutenant Joelie John Bandojo under the supervision of Police Colonel Kim Legada, demonstrates the commitment of our law enforcement units in combating illegal drugs in our city. The City Government remains committed to maintaining integrity and upholding the law in all its operations. We will continue to support the efforts of our police force in ensuring that Iloilo City remains a safe and drug-free community,” Treñas said.
Treñas assured the public that the incident would be promptly and appropriately addressed.
Legada said the two suspects are now under police custody and will be charged with violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The ICPO remains vigilant in its pursuit of individuals involved in illegal drug activities, although no further details were provided regarding other possible suspects or the full extent of the alleged drug network. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)
