Two high-value drug suspects were arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Bakhaw, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, yielding 280 grams of suspected shabu valued at P1,904,000.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., said the siblings, aged 20 and 21 and known by their aliases “Aj” and “Batwan,” both residents of Mandurriao, were apprehended following weeks of surveillance, aided by concerned citizens and the Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay program.

The suspects will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, which carries life imprisonment and heavy fines.

Nartatez commended the units involved for their successful operation.

“We will not stop. Every successful operation like this sends a clear message that illegal drugs have no place in our communities. We will continue our work to protect the youth and every Filipino family,” he said.

He added that the accomplishment advances the PNP Focused Agenda under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, emphasizing intelligence-driven operations and community partnership in a bloodless anti-illegal drug campaign.

The operation also implements the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to intensify the anti-drug drive while ensuring community protection and strict adherence to the rule of law — reflecting the "Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman."