PRO-NIR seizes PHP 286.72 million illegal drugs

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region has seized illegal drugs worth PHP 286,724,330 across Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor since its reactivation in March 2025.

From March 28 to Dec. 31, 2025, PRO-NIR confiscated 41,979.36 grams of shabu valued at PHP 285.46 million and 10,535.53 grams of marijuana worth PHP 1.26 million.

The seizures stemmed from 1,717 anti-illegal drug operations that resulted in the arrest of 2,077 individuals.

The Bacolod City Police Office recorded the highest value of drug confiscation at PHP 128.95 million following 444 operations that led to the arrest of 586 suspects.

BCPO recoveries included 18,783.07 grams of shabu worth PHP 127,724,905.24 and 10,207.41 grams of marijuana valued at PHP 1,224,888.24.

The Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office followed with seizures worth PHP 127.94 million, consisting of 18,813.78 grams of shabu valued at PHP 127,933,702.64 and 21.9 grams of marijuana worth PHP 2,828.

Norppo conducted 385 operations and arrested 406 individuals during the period.

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office carried out 864 operations, confiscating illegal drugs worth PHP 29.79 million and arresting 1,059 suspects.

Nocppo recoveries included 4,375.909 grams of shabu valued at PHP 29,756,181.88 and 306.222 grams of marijuana worth PHP 36,746.64.

The Siquijor Provincial Police Office arrested 26 violators of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and seized shabu worth PHP 45,077.20 in 24 operations.

PRO-NIR said joint intelligence efforts, inter-agency coordination, and community support were key in dismantling illegal drug networks across the region.

Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, credited police personnel for their discipline and teamwork in intelligence-driven operations.

“Our resolve remains unshakable, our vigilance unwavering,” Ibay said, adding that illegal drugs will find “no sanctuary, no safe haven, and no tolerance” under PRO-NIR’s watch.

Ibay said the regional office will continue a multi-pronged strategy that includes strengthened community-based initiatives in coordination with local government units, barangay officials, and other stakeholders.