Following a report by the Iloilo Provincial Police Office-Drug Enforcement Unit (IPPO-DEU) operating in the fifth district, or the northern part of the province, claiming the illegal drug trade is “rampant” in five towns, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. requested clarification.

“How rampant is rampant?” he asked.
The governor went on to call the word “rampant” subjective and requested the IPPO-DEU provide qualitative data to back up their findings.
According to IPPO-DEU chief, Police Chief Inspector Charlie Sustento, the municipalities of Carles, Balasan, Estancia, Sara, and San Dionisio were named as hot spots for illegal drug activity.
Meanwhile, Ajuy Mayor Jett Rojas lauded the assessment, saying it will allow his fellow mayors to work on deterring the entry of illegal drugs. However, Estancia Mayor Rene Cordero said, for coastal towns, it is difficult to monitor individuals coming in and out of the municipality./WDJ