Iloilo City police arrest ‘high-value’ target, seize PHP 1.4 million shabu

A high-value individual was arrested in a joint anti-drug and firearms operation conducted by the Iloilo City Police Office on March 26, 2026, at about 10:45 a.m. in Zone 6, Barangay Bakhaw, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

The suspect, identified by his alias “Pato,” 26, single, a construction worker and resident of the barangay, is classified as a high-value individual.

A high-value individual in Philippine anti-drug operations refers to a person identified by law enforcement as a significant target due to the scale of their alleged drug activities, their position in a drug network, or their influence within a community.

The arrest was carried out by joint operatives of the ICPO City Drug Enforcement Unit, the ICPO Special Weapons and Tactics team, and the Regional Police Special Battalion Bakhaw Team through the implementation of a search warrant issued on March 23, 2026, for violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Seized during the operation were approximately 210 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price of PHP 1,428,000, contained in five heat-sealed plastic sachets and three knot-tied plastic packs.

Also recovered were one .38 caliber revolver without a serial number and five live rounds of ammunition.

Under RA 10591, possession of an unlicensed firearm, particularly one with an obliterated or missing serial number, carries heavier penalties as the absence of a serial number is treated as an aggravating circumstance indicating the weapon’s illicit origin.

Police Brig. Gen. Josefino D. Ligan, Police Regional Office-6 director, commended the operating units for the successful operation.

“This successful operation highlights our intensified campaign against illegal drugs and loose firearms. The arrest of this High-Value Individual and the significant volume of illegal drugs seized reflect our unwavering commitment to safeguard our communities. We assure the public that PRO 6 will continue to strengthen intelligence-driven operations to bring offenders to justice and maintain peace and order in the region,” Ligan said.

The suspect is under police custody and will face charges for violations of RA 9165 and RA 10591.

Under RA 9165, the sale and possession of dangerous drugs carry penalties ranging from life imprisonment to death, depending on the quantity involved.