SEIZED. A drug-bust operation in Janiuay, Iloilo, on Dec. 17, 2023, confiscate PHP40.8 million worth of shabu and arrest one high-value individual. The successful operation earned for the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6) the Medalya ng Kadakilaan during the 33rd anniversary celebration of the Philippine National Police at the Camp Crame on Monday (Jan. 29, 2024). (File photo courtesy of RPDEU-6)
ILOILO CITY – Information from the public boosts various anti-drug operations in Iloilo and Western Visayas as a whole.
“We have instructions for a continuous and tightened campaign against illegal drugs. It so happens that the public is vigilant. Before, they had fears, now they are willing to help us by giving information, which is very important because that is where we start our validation,” Capt. Glen Soliman, team leader of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6), said Wednesday.
The RPDEU is one of the police units awarded with the Medalya ng Kadakilaan during the 33rd Philippine National Police Foundation Day at Camp Crame on Monday for the successful operation that resulted in the arrest of one high-value individual and the confiscation of at least six kilograms of shabu worth PHP40.8 million in Janiuay, Iloilo, on Dec. 17 last year.
The award was bestowed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, the guest of honor during the celebration, joined by Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. and PNP Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr.
Soliman said as long as there are consumers and a source, there is always an attempt to smuggle the illegal substance into Iloilo.
He said those apprehended during their various operations are not organized. They only serve as facilitators trusted by their source like in the case of the operation in Janiuay.
“It won't stay longer with them. They are also in charge of the distribution of the illegal item,” he added.
Soliman, who personally received the unit award, said the recognition gave them high morale.
“It inspires our troops to work harder because the higher command has recognized our efforts,” he said.
Meanwhile, in Central Visayas, the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit-7 was also recognized for its fight against illegal drugs and lawless criminals in the region.
Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin, director of the Police Regional Office-7, said the unit was awarded with Medal of Merit in line with the successful arrest of a big-time drug personality during a buy-bust operation on Dec. 11, 2023, at Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City, where 10-kilogram of shabu worth PHP68 million was seized.
Aberin also said about PHP11 million worth of suspected shabu were seized from Jan. 27 to 30 drug sting operations in Central Visayas. (With a report from John Rey Saavedra)
