Siblings nabbed in Iloilo drug sting; P1.9M shabu seized

Two high-value drug suspects, who are siblings, were arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Bakhaw, Mandurriao, yielding 280 grams of suspected shabu worth P1,904,000.

Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. identified the suspects only by their aliases “Aj” and “Batwan,” aged 20 and 21, both residents of Mandurriao.

The arrest followed weeks of surveillance supported by information from concerned citizens and the Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay program, Nartatez said.

The suspects will face charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which carries the penalty of life imprisonment and substantial fines.

Nartatez commended the operating units for the successful operation.

“Hindi tayo titigil. Every successful operation like this sends a clear message that illegal drugs have no place in our communities. Patuloy ang ating trabaho para maprotektahan ang kabataan at bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” he said.

He said the operation supports the PNP Focused Agenda under the Enhanced Managing Police Operations framework, which emphasizes intelligence-driven operations and community partnerships in pursuing a bloodless anti-illegal drug campaign.

The police chief added that the operation aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify the anti-drug campaign while ensuring the protection of communities and adherence to the rule of law under the Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas program.