Iloilo deploys K9 units for port drug checks

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo provincial government is set to deploy trained narcotics detection dogs at major ports and seaports as part of its intensified campaign to prevent the entry of illegal drugs into the province.

Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said the K9 units will be stationed at key gateways to strengthen border security, particularly in areas where X-ray inspection systems are unavailable.

“Since we cannot have X-ray inspection in ports, this is what we are trying to do,” Defensor said.

The deployment follows the completion of the province’s Narcotics Detection Dog and Handlers Course, a 180-day specialized training program that began Jan. 15 and will culminate July 6.

The course trained 26 narcotics detection dogs acquired by the Iloilo Provincial Police Office and various municipalities, along with 26 police personnel who received instruction in narcotics detection, canine handling, and veterinary care.

However, four of the 26 dogs did not pass the training, leaving 22 K9 units ready for deployment.

The training was conducted by IPPO-trained K9 handlers, with technical support from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, following national training standards.

The provincial government allocated PHP 3.8 million for the program, which officials said is the first local government unit-led K9 training initiative in the Visayas.

The initiative is part of the province’s broader anti-illegal drug strategy under Executive Order No. 111, which institutionalized the 4K, or Kapayapaan, Kaayusan, at Katatagan Tungo sa Kaunlaran ng Bagong Pilipinas for MoRProGRes program to strengthen community action on peace and order and national development.

It also supports Provincial Ordinance No. 2024-314, which mandates enhanced security and stricter border control measures in ports, coastal barangays, and other potential entry points for illegal drugs.