Habal-Habal Driver Nabbed in PHP 1-M Drug Sting

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By Jennifer P. Rendon

A habal-habal driver was arrested in an anti-illegal drug operation on the evening of June 21 in Ajuy, Iloilo.

The suspect, alias Jolly, 42, of Barangay Central, Ajuy, was caught at a rented unit in Barangay Tipacla People’s Village (NHA).

Police said he used his sibling’s residence in the area as a meeting place for drug transactions.

Habal-habal refers to an improvised motorcycle taxi service commonly used in rural areas of the Philippines, especially where public transport is limited. Operators often carry multiple passengers on a single motorcycle, sometimes without registration or formal regulation.

Operatives from the Ajuy Municipal Police Station, Iloilo Police Provincial Office–Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (IPPO-PDEU) Team 3, 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company, Iloilo Maritime Police Station, and IPPO Provincial Intelligence Unit arrested the suspect after he sold a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP 6,800.

Authorities recovered eight more sachets of suspected shabu and a wallet from his possession.

Captain John Michael Dalipe, Ajuy police chief, said the total weight of the seized drugs was approximately 150 grams, with an estimated standard drug price of PHP 1,020,000.

Jolly reportedly had no prior criminal record.

However, his name was placed on the police watchlist following tips from residents of the NHA People’s Village, who said his activities had become too obvious.

Dalipe said the suspect had been using the unit for his drug transactions for the past two months.

Police have not yet questioned the suspect as he is reportedly incoherent.

“He’s exhibiting drug withdrawal symptoms,” Dalipe said, noting that the suspect is classified as a user-pusher.

Jolly allegedly sourced his supply from Sara town and operated in the municipalities of Ajuy, Sara, and Concepcion.

He is currently detained and will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.