AUTHORITIES seized approximately 120 grams of substance believed to be shabu valued at P816,000 and arrested a high-value individual (HVI) during a buy-bust in Barangay Maribong, Lambunao, Iloilo, at 2:12 p.m. on February 2, 2025.
Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) Provincial Director Police Colonel Bayani Razalan lauded the successful operation, highlighting the police force’s commitment to eradicating illegal drugs in Iloilo.
“This arrest underscores the IPPO’s commitment to combating the spread of illegal drugs in our beloved Iloilo. I urge those still engaged in the illegal drug trade to stop, or they will face the full force of justice,” Razalan said.
Authorities urged the public to report any drug-related activities, emphasizing that community involvement is crucial in the fight against illegal drugs.
The operation, led by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of the IPPO, resulted in the arrest of a suspect identified as alias Atan, 54, male, unemployed, and a resident of Barangay Cubay, Lambunao, Iloilo.
The arrest followed months of surveillance after reports from concerned citizens linked the suspect to illegal drug activities in the third district of Iloilo. Authorities determined that he was sourcing drugs from Metro Manila.
The suspect is now in the custody of the Lambunao Municipal Police Station (MPS), pending the filing of charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation, police arrested one of Western Visayas’ most wanted fugitives in Barangay Purok 4, Pavia, Iloilo, during a manhunt operation on February 1, 2025, at 3 p.m.
Razalan praised the Pavia police for their successful operation.
“I commend the Pavia MPS Tracker Team for their outstanding performance in arresting one of the most wanted persons in Region 6. Our message is clear: criminals will find no refuge in Iloilo,” he said.
Razalan stated that they would intensify their operations to bring all fugitives to justice and uphold the rule of law.
The suspect, identified as alias Juny, 44, male, and a resident of Barangay Ungka I, Pavia, was apprehended by the Tracker Team of the Pavia MPS.
The arrest was made based on a warrant for murder issued by the Regional Trial Court, Sixth Judicial Region, Iloilo City, on January 30, 2025. No bail was recommended for his release.
Juny is accused of murdering a man identified as Nato, 56, in April 2024, near a residential subdivision in Barangay Ungka I. After his arrest, the suspect was taken into police custody for proper disposition.
The IPPO remains firm in its mission to maintain peace and security in Iloilo by ensuring fugitives face justice and reinforcing public trust in law enforcement. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)
