Iloilo Police Vow Tougher Crackdown as Shabu Surges

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) has vowed to intensify its anti-drug operations as the supply of illegal drugs, particularly shabu, continues to flood the province.

Colonel Bayani Razalan, IPPO director, acknowledged that despite ongoing efforts, illegal drugs are still entering Iloilo.

“We have arrested several high-value individuals and seized high volume of illegal drugs but, admittedly, illegal drugs still flood Iloilo,” Razalan said.

He emphasized that the problem is not unique to the province.

“Hindi lang naman ito sa Visayas. Madami at malalaki din ang huli even sa ibang lugar. Apparently, the supply came from abroad,” he added.

Razalan said authorities across the country are facing a similar challenge, including those in Metro Manila and other major areas, as drug syndicates continue to operate on a large scale.

He reiterated that the IPPO is left with no choice but to conduct an aggressive and relentless campaign against illegal drugs.

Razalan also linked a recent major drug haul in Luzon to Iloilo, suggesting it was likely bound for Panay Island.

On March 21, authorities at the Calapan Port in Oriental Mindoro seized around PHP816 million worth of shabu from an Ilonggo truck driver.

The suspect was reportedly en route to Iloilo, reinforcing concerns that the province remains a key destination in regional drug trafficking.

Razalan said the IPPO will not relent in its operations and remains committed to intercepting drug shipments and arresting those involved.

The police chief also called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help strengthen the anti-drug campaign.

As the provincial police step up their efforts, he stressed that close coordination with national agencies and inter-provincial intelligence sharing are crucial to dismantling supply networks.