• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The intensified anti-drug campaign of the police in Western Visayas from March 8 to 14 led to the confiscation of P32.1 million worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of 73 suspects, according to a report of the Police Regional Office 6.
In a statement, the PRO 6 reported that the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) logged the most arrested drug suspects at 31, while the Iloilo Police Provincial Office registered the biggest combined seizure of suspected illegal drugs at P21.12 million.
Commending the concerned police units for a job well done, P/Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, regional police director of Western Visayas, said that PRO 6 remains steadfast, committed, and will continue its aggressive campaign against illegal drugs until those involved in the illicit activities are charged in court.
NOCPPO also seized P3.06 million worth of illegal drugs in the same period, the PRO 6 reports indicated.
On the other hand, the Bacolod City Police Office recorded the arrest of 10 drug personalities.
NOCPPO and BCPO are currently under the supervision of PRO 6, pending the activation of Negros Island Region Police Office on March 27.
On the other hand, two suspects were arrested by the police on March 16 in Calatrava and Silay City in Negros Occidental, for the illegal possession of firearms and violation of RA 9165, or Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002, respectively.
The apprehension of alias Warren at Purok Mauswagon in Barangay Suba, Calatrava, yielded a M1911 caliber .45 pistol with a magazine containing two ammunition, and an estimated six grams of suspected shabu valued at P40,800.
Alias Rowel, 37, was apprehended by the police during the implementation of a search warrant on Sunday at Hacienda de Fuego 1 in Barangay Bagtic, Silay City.
His arrest led to the confiscation of a 9mm Ingram automatic pistol with 30 ammunition and its magazine, a calibre .38 revolver, a homemade 12-gauge shotgun with two ammunition, and three grams of suspected shabu with a market value of P20,400, according to the police.*
