By CESAR JOLITO III
The Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) reported major gains in its intensified anti-illegal drug campaign in 2025, with more than 2,000 drug suspects arrested and close to P286 million worth of illegal drugs seized across the region.
From March 28, when PRO-NIR was officially established, to December 31, 2025, police units carried out 1,717 anti-drug operations that led to the arrest of 2,077 drug personalities.
Authorities confiscated a total of 41,979.36 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of P285.46 million, along with 10,535.53 grams of marijuana worth over P1.26 million.
Data from PRO-NIR showed that the Bacolod City Police Office conducted 444 operations, resulting in 586 arrests.
Police seized more than 18.7 kilograms of shabu valued at P127.7 million and over 10.2 kilograms of marijuana worth P1.22 million.
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office logged the highest number of operations at 864, leading to the arrest of 1,059 suspects.
Confiscated during these operations were 4.37 kilograms of shabu valued at P29.75 million and 306 grams of marijuana worth P36,746.
Meanwhile, the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office carried out 385 operations that resulted in 406 arrests.
Authorities seized 18.8 kilograms of shabu with an estimated value of P127.93 million, along with smaller quantities of marijuana.
The Siquijor Police Provincial Office conducted 24 operations, arresting 26 individuals and confiscating shabu worth more than P45,000.
PRO-NIR attributed the gains to intelligence-driven operations, strengthened coordination with local government units, and sustained collaboration with community stakeholders and partner agencies.
Police officials said the focused targeting of high-value individuals and timely execution of operations significantly disrupted illegal drug networks in the region.
PRO-NIR director Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay commended all operating units for their dedication, discipline and teamwork, noting that their efforts were instrumental in protecting communities and advancing the goal of a safer, drug-free NIR.
Looking ahead, PRO-NIR said it will further intensify intelligence-led operations, strengthen case build-up in coordination with prosecutors to ensure convictions, and sustain community-based prevention and rehabilitation programs.
Police also vowed to continue drug-clearing operations in all cities and municipalities, targeting remaining drug networks and high-value suspects.
PRO-NIR assured the public that its campaign against illegal drugs will remain relentless and unwavering, emphasizing that there will be no safe haven for illegal drug activities in the region./CJ, WDJ