Transport group leader nabbed with drugs, firearms in Iloilo

ILOILO CITY — A transport group leader was arrested during a search operation in Jaro district, Iloilo City, early evening Monday, Oct. 5, after police allegedly recovered suspected shabu and firearms from his rented house.

Police identified the suspect as alias “Warren,” 37, chairman of Negros and Panay United (NPU).

He was arrested at his rented house in Carmen J. Ledesma Subdivision, Barangay Tacas, Jaro.

Members of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 6 (RPDEU-6), together with personnel from the Iloilo City Police Office, Iloilo Police Provincial Office and Regional Intelligence Unit 6, carried out the operation following reports of the suspect’s alleged illegal drug use and possession of unlicensed firearms.

Police searched the house by virtue of a warrant issued Oct. 1, 2026, by Regional Trial Court Branch 39 Judge Victorino Maniba Jr. in Iloilo City.

Recovered during the operation were two sachets of suspected shabu, a .45-caliber pistol with a magazine loaded with six rounds of ammunition, and a 9mm pistol with a magazine containing eight rounds.

Police also recovered a gun case, two sling bags, a small pouch, assorted drug paraphernalia and several other items.

Capt. Dennis Losbañez, RPDEU-6 team leader, said police received a complaint against the suspect for allegedly displaying a firearm.

Warren claimed that his firearms were licensed.

Losbañez said, however, that the suspect failed to present documents establishing his authority to possess the firearms during the operation.

Police records also showed that Warren had been placed on the regional priority target list in the campaign against illegal drugs.

Losbañez said the suspect underwent a drug test following his arrest.

Police did not immediately disclose the result of the drug test.

Warren is detained and is expected to face charges for alleged violations of 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.

The suspect drew public attention last year over social media posts directed at the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office.

Reports at the time also alleged that Warren threatened journalists after a media outlet published a story about an overloaded jeepney carrying passengers on its roof.

He also allegedly accused the journalists involved of being “paid hacks.”