BCPO seizes PHP94.58M drugs, arrests 373 suspects

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) seized PHP94,584,311.12 worth of illegal drugs and arrested 373 suspects in anti-drug operations conducted in the first half of 2025.

According to the City Anti-Illegal Drugs Monitoring Center, police conducted 300 operations from January 1 to June 30 in various areas across the city.

These operations led to the confiscation of 13,694.746 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP93,124,272.80 and 12,166.986 grams of marijuana worth PHP1,460,038.32.

Among the arrested were 281 drug pushers, 90 users, and two minors.

Authorities identified 68 of the suspects as high-value individuals and 305 as street-level individuals.

A total of 572 drug cases were filed in court during the six-month period.

The City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) reported several major seizures, including PHP17 million worth of drugs in Barangay Estefania in May, PHP10.44 million in Barangay Mansilingan in June, and PHP3.9 million in Barangays Cabug and Banago in February.

Police Col. Joeresty Coronica, BCPO director, said these accomplishments reflect the city police force’s continued commitment to eliminating illegal drugs and holding those responsible accountable.

NPA rebel surrenders in Binalbagan

A 29-year-old laborer and alleged member of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to authorities last Friday in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental.

The 2nd Negros Occidental Police Provincial Mobile Force Company, along with the Special Action Force Battalion 6 and Regional Intelligence Unit 6, facilitated the surrender during a joint minor combat operation.

The individual, identified as a member of the dismantled Central Negros 1 (CN1-D) under the Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, also turned over a .38-caliber revolver to authorities.

Police said he was recruited by the group in December 2014 but has now pledged to support the government’s anti-insurgency efforts.

According to a report from the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), the former rebel surrendered to clear his name and renounce his ties with the armed movement.

He was released to his family after proper documentation.