ICPO calls for community involvement in fight against illegal drugs

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Iloilo City Police Office has once again reiterated its call for a whole-of-community approach as a strong defense against illegal drugs, stressing that the problem is not solely a police concern.

Col. Wilbert Parilla, Iloilo City police chief, argued for the multifaceted approach following a series of ICPO operations that led to the confiscation of large amounts of illegal drugs and the arrest of individuals from various sectors of society — from women to students to tricycle drivers, the unemployed, and even professionals.

These developments highlight the widespread impact of illegal drugs, including differing views on the drug situation and the occurrence of a tragic incident linked to illegal drug activities.

The tragic incident refers to the March 21 stabbing in Barangay San Isidro, La Paz, where a failed shabu transaction between two neighboring families resulted in the deaths of four persons, underscoring how illegal drugs can fuel violence within communities.

Parilla emphasized that a multisectoral approach is vital in addressing the menace of illegal drugs.

“Indi ini masolbar sang PNP lang. Ang problema sang ilegal nga droga problema sang bilog nga komunidad. Kinahanglan guid nga magbuligay kita,” he said.

Parilla said the ICPO is open to working with the public in solving the problem of illegal drugs.

“If you knew anyone or has knowledge about the illegal drug trade, or if you need our help, you could come to us. Let’s help one another,” Parilla said.

As a result of sustained operations, the ICPO confiscated a total of 4.931 kilograms of suspected shabu valued at PHP 33,533,241 within 82 days, covering the period from Jan. 1 to March 23, 2026.

A total of 153 anti-drug operations were conducted, resulting in the arrest of 194 drug personalities, including 54 high-value individuals, 139 street-level individuals, and one individual with an outstanding warrant of arrest.

The ICPO urged the public to actively participate and cooperate with authorities, reinforcing that the fight against illegal drugs is a shared responsibility of both law enforcement and the community.