W. Visayas drug haul hits PHP 60.6 million in January

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) began 2026 with a substantial seizure of illegal drugs, highlighting its ongoing crackdown on narcotics in Western Visayas.

From Jan. 1 to 31, PRO-6 operatives seized a total of 8.917 kilograms of suspected shabu valued at approximately PHP 60.6 million.

In addition to shabu, authorities recovered 192.4 grams of kush marijuana and dried marijuana with an estimated value of PHP 72,000.

The month-long anti-drug campaign consisted of 109 operations that led to the arrest of 137 drug suspects — 56 categorized as high-value individuals (HVIs) and 81 as street-level pushers.

Records show that the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) led the region in volume of drugs confiscated, accounting for nearly half of the total.

IPPO operatives seized 4.067 kilograms of shabu worth PHP 27.655 million.

The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) followed with 2.305 kilograms valued at PHP 15.675 million.

The Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) 6 confiscated 1.850 kilograms worth PHP 12.580 million.

Other police offices reported the following seizures: Capiz PPO with 487 grams worth PHP 3.312 million; Antique PPO with 157 grams valued at PHP 1.067 million; Aklan PPO with 26.20 grams worth PHP 178,600; and Guimaras PPO with 24.5 grams worth PHP 166,600.

Western Visayas police chief Brig. Gen. Josefino Ligan said their operations will be further intensified, particularly on the supply-reduction side of anti-drug efforts.

Aside from anti-narcotics operations, PRO-6 arrested 81 most wanted persons and 169 other wanted individuals during the same period.

Notably, all of the region’s Top 10 most wanted persons were apprehended within the first two weeks of January.

In its campaign against loose firearms, PRO-6 apprehended 16 individuals, confiscated 193 firearms and 12 explosives, and received one surrendered firearm.

Meanwhile, the region’s intensified campaign against illegal gambling led to the arrest of 263 suspects and the confiscation of more than PHP 75,000 in bet money.

“We also continued our campaigns against other forms of criminality, including illegal logging and illegal fishing, through sustained enforcement operations, inter-agency collaboration, and community engagement, underscoring our commitment to environmental protection and the preservation of natural resources for future generations,” Ligan said.

He credited the region’s accomplishments to “sustained teamwork, discipline, sacrifice, and faith in our mission.”

“More than numbers, they are reflected in the growing sense of safety felt by our communities,” he added.

Compared to the same period last year, PRO-6 recorded 10 fewer peace and order incidents, equivalent to a 1.5 percent decrease.

Index crimes dropped significantly, from 172 incidents to 106 — a 38 percent decline.

The region’s 10 focus crimes also declined by 65 incidents, or 38 percent.

Ligan said these numbers are evidence that their collective efforts are making a tangible impact in improving public safety.