By Jennifer P. Rendon
The Police Regional Office 6 recorded a significant drop in the volume of illegal drugs seized during its most recent Birada Semana.
Data showed that various police units confiscated only 1.162 kilograms of suspected shabu, valued at PHP7.9 million.
The sharp decrease was largely attributed to fewer anti-drug operations last week and the exclusion of accomplishments from the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office and Bacolod City Police Office, which are no longer under PRO-6.
From April 28 to May 4, PRO-6 units conducted only 34 operations.
In contrast, last month’s Birada Semana, held from March 10 to 16, tallied 94 operations, with NOcPPO and BCPO contributions still included.
Those operations led to the seizure of 4.614 kilograms of shabu worth PHP31.38 million—a 74.83 percent decrease in value.
Even without NOcPPO and BCPO data from last month, PRO-6 would still show a significant drop, as the two units accounted for only PHP4.94 million of the PHP31.38 million haul.
Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, Western Visayas police chief, said the decline could be due to limited supply in the region compared to previous months.
“Or it’s also probable that we have not yet hit the big source,” he added.
In the recent operations, the Iloilo City Police Office overtook the Iloilo Police Provincial Office in terms of shabu volume seized.
ICPO conducted 18 operations and recovered 545 grams of shabu valued at more than PHP3.7 million.
IPPO carried out 10 operations and seized 528 grams worth almost PHP3.6 million.
Elsewhere, Antique PPO held two operations and confiscated PHP462,400 worth of shabu.
Capiz PPO conducted one operation with a seizure worth PHP81,600.
Guimaras PPO held two operations and recovered PHP34,000 worth of shabu.
Aklan PPO conducted one operation and confiscated PHP27,200 worth of shabu.
A total of 45 individuals were arrested during the weeklong campaign.
Birada Semana is an enhanced managing police operations initiative focused on anti-criminality efforts, arresting wanted persons, and combating illegal drugs and gambling.
