PHP2.7M Shabu, Firearms Seized in Cabatuan Drug Bust

Authorities arrested four suspects, including a minor, and seized approximately PHP 2.7 million worth of suspected shabu and firearms during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Janipaan Olo, Cabatuan, Iloilo on the evening of July 11.

Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6) reported that around 400 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, were recovered during the 7:15 p.m. operation.

The suspects were identified as “Vince/Jing,” 44, and “Kaloy,” 32—both tagged as high-value individuals; “Joyce” Dela Rosa y Cala-or, 20, tagged as a street-level individual; and one unnamed minor.

“Vince/Jing” is a resident of Barangay Damo-ong, Janiuay, Iloilo, while “Kaloy” resides in Barangay Janipaan, Cabatuan. “Joyce” is from Barangay Cadagmayan Sur, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.

Authorities recovered 32 heat-sealed sachets containing white crystalline substance, buy-bust money, three improvised tooters, two Android phones, and three unlicensed firearms.

The firearms include one .38-caliber revolver, one 12-gauge pistol-type firearm, and a homemade 12-gauge shotgun, along with ammunition for both calibers.

Also seized were three disposable lighters and various non-drug paraphernalia linked to illegal drug activities.

Police Brigadier General Jose Ligan, Regional Director of PRO6, commended the composite teams that carried out the operation.

“I congratulate everyone for a job well done. Truly, we are not resting our laurels in chasing those individuals involved in illegal drug trade,” PBGen Ligan said.

“Let us continue to do our job with compassion and integrity,” he added.

The operation was conducted by joint forces from the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 6 (RPDEU6), Philippine Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG), Special Operations Unit 6 (SOU6), Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO), Cabatuan Municipal Police Station, and Regional Mobile Force Battalion 6 (RMFB6).

The suspects are currently under police custody and will face charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Authorities emphasized that the success of the operation underscores the government’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs and unlicensed firearms across Western Visayas.