ILOILO City – Police seized shabu valued at P4.08 million during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Balabago, Jaro district on January 16.
The operation, carried out by the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU), led to the arrest of three suspected high-value individuals (HVIs).
The primary suspect, 29-year-old John Winston Porras of Barangay Balabago, was apprehended alongside Jesus Angelo Martinez, 34, a call center agent from Barangay Housing, Mandurriao district, and Berna Villarosa, 25, from Barangay Bolilao, Mandurriao.
Police Captain Ryan Christ Inot of the CDEU reported that the buy-bust was staged near a gas station in Balabago.
Porras transacted with an undercover officer but allegedly fired two shots at authorities when the operation was exposed.
A pursuit ensued, with police disabling Porras’ vehicle by shooting its tires near Metro Iloilo Hospital and Medical Center in Barangay Tagbak, Jaro.
Porras sustained minor injuries from shattered windshield glass during the chase.
Martinez and Villarosa attempted to hide in a restroom before being apprehended.
Recovered during the operation were around 600 grams of shabu, a .45 caliber pistol, and live ammunition.
The suspects face charges for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act 9165), the election gun ban, and attempted homicide.
Porras is set to undergo surgery for his injuries.
Mayor Jerry Treñas commended the police for their successful operation, emphasizing the significance of anti-drug efforts in preserving peace and order in the city.
“Despite the dangers of these operations, we are fortunate that no lives were lost,” he said.
To bolster law enforcement capabilities, Treñas announced the city government will provide 13 additional police vehicles and other essential equipment this year.
He assured Ilonggos of continued efforts to achieve a drug-free Iloilo City and maintain public safety./PN
