The relentless drive of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) against the illegal drug trade has culminated in a substantial seizure of illicit substances throughout March 2024.
Their concerted efforts across Western Visayas led to the confiscation of an estimated Php 45.6 million worth of drugs, marking a significant blow to narcotics distribution networks in the region.
Over the course of the month, the campaign orchestrated a total of 194 operations that successfully apprehended 242 individuals involved in the drug trade. This feat showcases the depth of the drug problem and the intensity of law enforcement’s response.
A breakdown of the operations reveals a disparity in the distribution and recovery of illegal drugs across the provinces.
The Aklan Police Provincial Office (PPO) reported 6 arrests; Antique PPO had 4; Capiz PPO, 8; Guimaras PPO, 4; Iloilo Province PPO, 42; Iloilo City PPO, 39; Negros Occidental PPO, 94; Bacolod City PPO, 31; and the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 6 (RPDEU6) brought in 14 suspects.
Notably, the RPDEU6 achieved the highest seizure, capturing approximately 3,374 grams of methamphetamine, locally known as “shabu.”
Iloilo City PPO followed with 1,369 grams, and Iloilo PPO with 651 grams. Marijuana recoveries were highest in Negros Occidental, Capiz, and Aklan, with recoveries of 27, 10, and 5 grams, respectively.
In a statement, the PRO-6 said the success of these operations can be attributed to the dedicated efforts of all Drug Enforcement Units in the region, whose relentless pursuits have stemmed the tide of this societal menace.
Police Brig. General Jack L. Wanky, PRO-6 director, expressed his gratitude and reinforced the commitment of the force.
“Maraming salamat po sa inyong walang humpay na operasyon laban sa illegal na droga. Hindi tayo titigil habang may mga indibidual na tumatangkilik at imbolbado sa mga ipinagbabawal na gamot na ito. Pangarap po natin na wala nang buhay ang masasayang dahil sa illegal na droga.”
(Thank you for your relentless operations against illegal drugs. We will not stop as long as there are individuals who patronize and are involved in these prohibited substances. It is our dream that no more lives will be wasted because of illegal drugs.)
In addition to the operations, the PRO-6 held its traditional Monday Flag Raising and Awarding Ceremonies, during which Medals of Valor and Excellence were awarded to Police Major Geremy Ian R. Magbanua and Police Staff Sergeant Epigenio June N. Dioso III from the San Jose Municipal Police Station, as well as to Police Major Christopher N. Candelario and Police Master Sergeant Richard B. Dela Cruz of the Dumarao Municipal Police Station.
Brig. Gen. Wanky extolled the recipients, saying, “My warmest congratulations to all the awardees. May your selfless and noteworthy actions serve as an inspiration to other PNP personnel to strive more in ensuring every community is secure and peaceful.”
