Ex-cop, barangay officials nabbed with ₱2.1M shabu in Iloilo buy-bust — Local protectors or prime pushers?
Margret Dianne Fermin • Ipinost noong 2026-02-16 15:31:20
ILOILO, Philippines — A former police officer and two barangay officials were arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Licu-an, Dingle, Iloilo, that yielded more than ₱2.1 million worth of suspected shabu.
Police identified the suspects as alias “Eduard,” 51, a married ex-member of the Philippine National Police who was listed as a high-value individual; alias “Kor,” 55, a married incumbent barangay kagawad and newly tagged high-value individual; and alias “Jay,” 28, single and jobless, categorized as a street-level drug personality.
The operation was conducted by the Iloilo Police Provincial Office in coordination with the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group.
Authorities said the suspects were caught around 3:05 p.m. during a buy-bust transaction that led to the confiscation of approximately 310 grams of suspected shabu, valued at ₱2,108,000 in standard drug pricing. Police also seized drug paraphernalia and marked money used in the operation.
The arrests form part of intensified anti-drug campaigns across Iloilo province, which in recent weeks have resulted in multiple seizures of high-value drug personalities and millions worth of illegal drugs. Just days earlier, separate operations in Tigbauan, Balasan, and Barotac Viejo led to the confiscation of ₱1.33 million worth of shabu and the arrest of three other high-value individuals.
Police officials emphasized that the involvement of former law enforcers and barangay officials in the drug trade is alarming, as these individuals are expected to uphold the law and serve their communities. The suspects are now facing charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The Iloilo Police Provincial Office reiterated its commitment to dismantling drug networks in the province, stressing that no one is exempt from accountability regardless of position or background. The case highlights the continuing challenge of illegal drugs in Western Visayas and the need for vigilance in both law enforcement and community leadership.
Image from PRO6 PIO