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,” Captain Glen Soliman, team leader of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6), said yesterday.
The RPDEU is one of the police units awarded with the Medalya ng Kadakilaan during the 33rd Philippine National Police (PNP) Foundation Day at Camp Crame on Monday, January 29, 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 P40.8 million in Janiuay, Iloilo, on December 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 General 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.
Brigadier General 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 December 11, 2023, at Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City, where 10-kilogram of shabu worth P68 million was seized.
Aberin also said about P11 million worth of suspected shabu were seized from January 27 to 30 drug sting operations in Central Visayas. (PNA)