IPPO seizes PHP 166 million drugs in 2025

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Nearly PHP 166 million worth of illegal drugs were seized in a yearlong anti-drug campaign conducted by the Iloilo Police Provincial Office in Iloilo province.

Police records showed that IPPO units carried out 371 focused anti-narcotics operations from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2025.

These operations resulted in the arrest of 515 individuals and the confiscation of about 24.488 kilograms of suspected shabu valued at an estimated standard drug price of PHP 165.965 million.

Authorities also seized 72.43 grams of marijuana valued at PHP 10,864 during the same period.

The IPPO filed 1,071 criminal cases in court for violations of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Iloilo police chief Col. Bayani Razalan said the campaign against illegal drugs remained the primary focus of the IPPO’s anti-criminality efforts in 2025.

He added that Iloilo police also demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing other forms of criminal activity across the province.

Records showed that IPPO units conducted 975 operations against wanted persons, leading to the arrest of hundreds of fugitives.

These operations resulted in the arrest of 287 most wanted persons, including three at the national level, two of whom died during police operations.

Police also arrested 31 individuals on the regional most wanted list, 78 on the provincial list and 177 at the municipal level.

In addition, authorities arrested 685 other wanted persons not included on priority lists.

The campaign against loose firearms led to the recovery of 608 firearms, police said.

Of the total, 140 firearms were confiscated during police operations, including search warrants and buy-busts.

Another 339 firearms were voluntarily surrendered by community members, while 129 were deposited with police for safekeeping.

In operations against illegal gambling, the IPPO conducted 95 operations that led to the arrest of 219 individuals.

Authorities confiscated PHP 68,515 in betting money and filed 100 criminal charges in connection with illegal gambling activities.

To protect the environment and preserve marine resources, the IPPO intensified operations against illegal fishing across the province.

Police conducted 203 operations that resulted in the apprehension of 654 individuals and the impounding of 376 fishing vessels.

Authorities also seized fish valued at PHP 493,370 during the anti-illegal fishing campaign.

The IPPO also conducted 188 operations against illegal quarrying.

These efforts led to the apprehension of 221 individuals and the impounding of 219 vehicles used in quarrying activities.

In operations against illegal logging, police carried out seven successful missions.

These resulted in the arrest of 14 individuals and the recovery of 2,600.5 board feet of lumber valued at PHP 141,713.

As he commended IPPO personnel for their dedication throughout 2025, Razalan thanked Iloilo local leaders and the Ilonggo community for their continued trust and support.

He also expressed gratitude to Gov. Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. for his cooperation with police initiatives.

Razalan vowed the IPPO’s renewed commitment to maintaining peace, order and progress across Iloilo province.