Father, Son Nabbed in PHP1-M Drug Bust in Iloilo

By Jennifer P. Rendon

More than PHP1 million worth of illegal drugs and a firearm were seized in a police anti-narcotics operation on the afternoon of May 21 in Sara, Iloilo.

Danilo, 63, and his 34-year-old son, Danny, both residents of Barangay Pasig, Sara, were arrested in a buy-bust operation.

The two allegedly conspired to sell a sachet of suspected shabu worth PHP6,800.

Personnel from the Sara Municipal Police Station recovered six sachets of suspected shabu, a loaded .22-caliber revolver with two rounds of ammunition, and several non-drug items.

Maj. Rolando Araño, spokesperson of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), said the seized drugs weighed approximately 160 grams with an estimated standard drug price of PHP1,088,000.

Araño said Danny was the main target of the operation.

He had a prior drug-related arrest and was released through a plea bargaining agreement in 2024.

Authorities monitored Danny’s return to the illegal drug trade more than a month ago.

The suspects reportedly sourced their supply from Metro Manila.

Their alleged distribution network covered Sara and neighboring towns.

Both suspects are currently detained and will face charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.