• GILBERT P. BAYORAN / RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
The Police Regional Office – Negros Island Region( PRO-NIR) reported on Tuesday the confiscation of P286.7 million worth of illegal drugs, and the arrest of 2,077 drug personalities across the region in year 2025.
After it was activated in March 28 last year, the PRO-NIR conducted 1,717 antidrug operations, which led to the seizure of 41.9 kilos of suspected shabu, valued at P285,459,866.96, and 10.5 kilos of suspected dried marijuana leaves, with a market value of P1,264,463.48, from 2,077 drug peddlers, who are now facing charges for violation of RA 9165, known as the Dangerous Comprehensive Drug Act of 2002.
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office logged the most number of arrested drug suspects at 1,059, followed by Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) at 586, Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NORPPO) at 406, while the Siquijor Police Provincial Office (SPPO) neutralized the illegal activities of 26 drug personalities.
On the other hand, BCPO ranked first in terms of illegal drugs confiscation with 18.7 kilos shabu and 10.2 kilos of marijuana, valued at a total of almost P129 million, while the NOCPPO seized 4.3 kilos of suspected shabu and 306.2 grams of dried marijuana leaves, with a total market value of P29,792,945
In Negros Oriental, 385 operations led to the arrest of 406 individuals and the seizure of 18,813.78 grams of shabu valued at P127,933,702.64.
Siquijor recorded the fewest operations, with 24 anti-drug activities resulting in the arrest of 26 suspects and the confiscation of P45,077.20 worth of suspected shabu.
The PRO-NIR report only covers operations from March 28, 2025, to the end of the year. Earlier reports from NOcPPO which covers the period January 1 to December 31, 2025, have indicated seizures worth P45,047,496 of shabu and marijuana, according to NOcPPO Spokesman PCapt. Judesses Catalogo.
In a statement, PRO-NIR Director PBrig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, commended all units for their dedication, professionalism, and tireless commitment in the 2025 anti-illegal drug campaign, as he highlighted the courage, discipline, and teamwork of personnel in carrying out intelligence-driven operations.
Ibay further emphasized that their efforts have been crucial in achieving significant gains, protecting communities, and advancing PRO NIR’s goal of a safer, drug-free Negros Island Region.
He also attributed the significant gains in anti-drug operations to PRO NIR’s relentless intelligence-driven operations, close coordination with local government units, and strong collaboration with community partners and agencies.
By combining intelligence, teamwork, and community support, Ibay said the PRO NIR has effectively disrupted illegal drug networks.
Sustained intelligence-led operations will continue to be intensified, ensuring precise, strategic, and results-oriented actions, while case build-up and coordination with prosecutorial agencies are strengthened to secure successful convictions, the regional police director further said.*
