Drug Suspect Tied to Ganzon Family; Vice Mayor Denies Link

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

A drug suspect arrested in a buy-bust operation in Iloilo City on April 7 is reportedly related to the family of Iloilo City Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon through marriage.

Francis Jimenea, 39, a resident of Benedicto, Jaro, was arrested by the Station Drug Enforcement Team of Iloilo City Police Station 9.

Police said they recovered a sachet of suspected shabu worth PHP1,500 and five more sachets from his possession.

Francis is the brother-in-law of Councilor Rudolph Ganzon and the son-in-law of Vice Mayor Ganzon.

His brother, Bobby Jimenea, was also arrested in a separate buy-bust operation on March 8, 2025, also for alleged involvement in illegal drugs.

In a statement issued Thursday, April 10, Vice Mayor Ganzon denied accusations that he protected the Jimenea brothers.

“Nobody is above the law. You will be caught. No one is protected, no matter who you are,” he said.

He said he does not personally know the suspects and denied that his family shields anyone involved in criminal activities.

“I want to make it clear that I do not protect any suspects or accused individuals,” he said.

“These accusations are meant to damage my name and the public service my family has been providing.”

The vice mayor reiterated his support for Iloilo City Police Office operations against illegal drugs.

He also said he and Councilor Rudolph Ganzon had no involvement in the case.

Ganzon condemned the spread of false information and urged the public not to exploit fake news for personal or political gain.

He warned that such rumors can be especially harmful to children who may be affected mentally and emotionally.

“The political tactics being used are highly insensitive,” he said.

“There are minors who have been traumatized, affected mentally and psychologically by the false information being spread.”

Both Vice Mayor Ganzon and Councilor Ganzon are running for reelection in this year’s midterm elections under the Team Uswag slate of outgoing Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas.