Iloilo city: The intensified campaign against illegal drugs launched by the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6) in January resulted in the seizure of PHP60.6 million worth of shabu and PHP72,000 worth of marijuana, and the arrest of 137 drug personalities.

According to Philippines News Agency, PRO-6 director Brig. Gen. Josefino Ligan, during the traditional flag-raising ceremony at the Camp Martin headquarters, stated that last month's operations by various police units netted 8.91 kilos of shabu and 92.4 grams of marijuana. Fifty-six of those arrested were identified as high-value individuals, while the remainder were street-level drug personalities.

In a press conference, Ligan emphasized their commitment to sustaining their supply reduction and law enforcement program. He announced the establishment of operation centers in transit areas to prevent the entry of drugs and a narcotics detection course for dogs of the Iloilo provincial government. Ligan explained that there would be 22 dogs with handlers, aiming to guard the entire Panay Island starting at the transit point.

Ligan urged the community to report any information about drugs before they reach the streets. He also reported the arrest of all the Top 10 Most Wanted Persons in the region within the first two weeks of January. In addition, 81 most wanted persons and 169 other most wanted persons were apprehended.

In the campaign against loose firearms, the PRO-6 apprehended six individuals, while 193 firearms and 12 explosives were seized, confiscated, and surrendered. The sustained effort against illegal gambling resulted in the arrest of 263 violators and the confiscation of more than PHP75,000 in bet money.

Ligan highlighted that these achievements were made possible through sustained teamwork, discipline, sacrifice, and faith in their mission. He noted that beyond the numbers, these efforts are reflected in the growing sense of safety felt by the communities.