The Police Regional Office (PRO-6) seized 6.4 kilograms of illegal drugs with an estimated value of P43.8 million in anti-illegal drug operations conducted across Western Visayas in April this year.
During a press conference, PRO-6 director Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan said the confiscations were the result of 137 police operations conducted throughout the month.
The operations also led to the arrest of 177 drug personalities. Of the number, 119 were street level individuals (SLIs), 51 were high-value individuals (HVIs), and seven were newly identified suspects.
While the April seizures represent a significant haul, Ligan noted a slight downward trend in the volume of confiscated drugs compared to previous months.
“As you can see, operational accomplishments on illegal drugs have slightly gone down. We only got 6.4 kilos for the month of April, compared to March, which had almost 8 kilos, and February with 11 kilos,” he said.
Ligan attributed the decrease to the intensified police operations.
“Therefore, as the operation intensifies, we are seeing that those selling might be afraid, they are laying low. But one thing is for sure, our work against illegal drugs will continue relentlessly,” he said.
The region’s top cop highlighted the crucial role of the community and local government support, particularly praising the reward system implemented by the Iloilo Provincial Government for informants who provide actionable intelligence leading to successful drug operations.
“If ever there is a positive operation regarding the information given, they will receive reward money from the Iloilo Provincial Government,” said Ligan.
“We are thankful for the incentive given by the local government; it provides help and incentives to truly eradicate—well, though we intend to do that for the government, at least to minimize it,” he continued.
Ligam called the reward system an “initiative and a best practice of Iloilo province” and expressed hope that other local government units would adopt similar measures.
“We are more than happy if ever other local governments will follow soon. Like what I said, it is a huge help to our campaign against illegal drugs when all the stakeholders are collaborating towards ending this illegal menace, especially here in Western Visayas,” he said.
To allay fears among potential tipsters, Ligan assured the public that the identities of informants would be strictly protected.
“We have the system already in place for those informants. When I was in PDEA, we called that ‘Private Eye.’ Rest assured, those informants’ identities will always be guarded,” he said.IMT
