Ex-Convict Arrested Again in Iloilo Drug Bust

By Jennifer P. Rendon

An ex-convict was arrested again during an anti-illegal drug operation on the morning of April 1 in Molo, Iloilo City.

Alias “Mark,” 29, a fish vendor, was apprehended at his residence in Sitio Punong, Barangay West Habog-Habog, Molo.

Operatives from the Iloilo City Police Station 4 arrested the suspect after he allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP4,500.

Police later seized four additional sachets of suspected shabu and several non-drug-related items.

Capt. Ryan Christ Inot, chief of ICPS4, said the confiscated drugs weighed about 30 grams and had an estimated value of PHP204,000.

Mark was identified as the station’s top priority target.

In 2016, he was arrested for a drug-related offense.

He served his sentence and was released from prison in 2022.

Later that same year, he was arrested again and jailed for robbery.

He was released from detention in January 2025.

Police said they monitored his renewed involvement in the illegal drug trade following his release.

Surveillance was conducted prior to his arrest on Tuesday.

Inot said the suspect claimed the drug supply was dropped off by an unidentified man.

He allegedly sold the drugs to workers at the Iloilo Fish Port and clients in the La Paz and Molo districts.

Mark is currently detained and will be charged with violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.