21/08/2026
PNP HITS DRUG SUPPLY NATIONWIDE: 2 ARRESTED, ₱49.7M RECOVERED
The Philippine National Police (PNP) seized more than ₱49.7 million worth of suspected illegal drugs and ma*****na in separate operations in Lanao del Sur, Kalinga, and Iloilo on August 19 and 20, further disrupting the movement and cultivation of prohibited substances in different parts of the country.
In Iloilo City, police arrested two individuals identified by their aliases as “Kalbo” and “Pongkoy” during an operation early Thursday, August 20. Authorities recovered approximately 160 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated standard drug price of ₱1.088 million. The two suspects will undergo standard booking and medical procedures, while appropriate charges are being prepared.
In Lanao del Sur, an anti-drug operation in Barangay Bato-Bato, Maguing, on August 19 resulted in the recovery of approximately 300 grams of suspected shabu valued at ₱2.04 million, along with a firearm and other evidence. An armed confrontation was reported during the operation, after which one of the individuals involved sustained gunshot wounds and was declared dead upon arrival at a hospital. Another individual reportedly escaped. The incident remains under investigation.
Meanwhile, police operations in Tinglayan, Kalinga resulted in the destruction of approximately 156,000 fully grown ma*****na plants and 100,000 grams of dried ma*****na leaves, with an estimated value of ₱43.2 million. A separate eradication operation in the same municipality also led to the uprooting and destruction of about 17,000 ma*****na plants valued at ₱3.4 million.
Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief of the PNP, commended the operating units for sustaining pressure against both the distribution and cultivation of illegal drugs, while emphasizing that police action must remain anchored on lawful procedures.
“We have to keep doing the work where it matters—stopping illegal drugs from reaching our communities and going after their sources. Pero kasabay ng pagiging matatag sa operasyon, dapat malinaw din na sumusunod tayo sa batas at tamang proseso. The public expects both, and we have to deliver both,” PGen Nartatez said.
The operations are consistent with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which calls for coordinated, intelligence-driven, and accountable police action against threats to public safety.
The PNP’s sustained anti-drug efforts support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s public safety agenda and reflect its commitment to “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman”—delivering firm, lawful, and responsible police service while respecting the rights of every person.
(PNP-PIO)