RECENT shabu seizures in Iloilo City, amounting to approximately three kilos since January, are both a good feat for the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) and a sobering reminder of the persistent grip of illegal drugs on the city. While the recoveries show the zeal of law enforcement to curb the drug menace, they also expose the scale of the problem that continues to plague the metro.
The Dinagyang Festival, one of Iloilo’s most celebrated events, showcases Ilonggo culture and heritage. It is also a magnet for economic activities — and, unfortunately, even illegal ones. As ICPO Chief Police Colonel Kim Legada pointed out, the influx of visitors during the festivities creates opportunities for increased drug transactions. This is a harsh reality that demands both immediate and sustained action.
The volume of shabu seized this month shows the resilience of drug networks operating in Iloilo City. It is also a chilling reflection of the lives ruined and the families shattered by illegal drugs. This is the immense challenge faced by authorities in dismantling these networks, which thrive on the vulnerabilities of communities.
While the ICPO’s efforts, led by the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU), deserve praise, the fight against illegal drugs cannot rest solely on police operations. This problem requires a multifaceted strategy. Community awareness, preventive education, and rehabilitation programs must be prioritized alongside law enforcement. The supply chain of illegal drugs thrives because of demand — addressing this root cause is essential.
Moreover, the substantial recoveries raise questions about the effectiveness of current measures to intercept drugs before they enter the city. How do these large quantities bypass checkpoints? What more can be done to strengthen intelligence-gathering and border control? The answers to these questions must guide future strategies in combating the drug trade.
As Iloilo City prepares for the highlight events of the Dinagyang, Ilonggos must not be complacent in celebrating the victories of law enforcement. Instead, let these recoveries galvanize a city-wide commitment to fighting the drug problem with the same energy and determination that Ilonggos devote to the festival.
ICPO’s success in recent operations should inspire greater public cooperation and vigilance. But beyond that, it should serve as a call to action for all stakeholders — local government, private sectors, and ordinary citizens — to work together in creating a city where illegal drugs have no place.
