Arrest warrant served to detained ‘druggie’

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Police served a warrant of arrest against a drug personality detained at the lock-up cell of the Iloilo City Police Station 4 morning of Jan. 22, 2024.

Virgilio Hilario, 52, of Zone 1, Brgy. Rizal Pala-Pala, City Proper, Iloilo City was charged with violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) docketed under Criminal Case Numbers 23-89517 and 23-89518.

Judge Rose Edith G. Togonon of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) 6 Branch 25, Iloilo City issued the arrest warrant against the suspect.

No bail was recommended for his temporary liberty.

Major Marlyn Roquero, ICPS4 chief, said Hilario is the 8th “most wanted person” in Iloilo City.

Hilario’s case stemmed from a buy-bust operation on July 18, 2023 where he skirted cops. But his son, Michael John Hilario, was arrested.

Hilario’s luck ran out after he was arrested in another police anti-illegal drugs operation on Dec. 28, 2023 in Molo, Iloilo City where he yielded around P544,000 worth of illegal drugs.

Hilario was previously detained at the New Bilibid Prison after he was accused of murder. In 2020, he was collared for an illegal drugs-related offense and was released early in 2023.