Ex-convict nabbed in PHP 1.1-M drug sting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

An ex-convict was arrested in a police anti-narcotics operation on the afternoon of April 10 in Dingle, Iloilo.

The suspect, 45-year-old alias Rom, was apprehended at his residence in Barangay Tabugon, Dingle, during a buy-bust operation.

Members of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office-Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (IPPO-PDEU) seized 165 grams of suspected shabu from the suspect.

Maj. Dadje Delima, IPPO-PDEU chief, said the seized illegal drugs have an estimated standard drug price of PHP 1,122,000.

Delima said the suspect had a previous drug-related arrest a few years ago and secured his release from jail through a plea bargaining agreement.

In February 2026, Rom managed to evade arrest during a buy-bust operation that targeted a former police officer and a barangay kagawad in Barangay Licu-an, Dingle.

Alias Edward, 51, a former Philippine National Police member, and his neighbor, alias Kor, a 55-year-old incumbent barangay kagawad, were arrested with around PHP 2.1 million worth of illegal drugs in that operation.

Instead of lying low, Rom continued his illegal drug trade, allegedly sourcing his supply from another drug personality from the town of Pototan.

His areas of distribution covered the towns of Dingle and San Enrique.

Rom is now detained and will be charged with violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.