ILOILO City – With the Dinagyang Festival 2025 fast approaching, the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) has shifted its focus toward bolstering barangay-level intelligence efforts to curb illegal drug activities during the city’s most celebrated event.
Brigadier General Jack Wanky, PRO-6 director, emphasized the role of barangay intelligence networks in preventing drug syndicates from infiltrating communities. He called on local leaders and residents to remain vigilant and collaborate closely with law enforcement to deter illegal drug trade, particularly during large-scale events like Dinagyang.
“Drug personalities see festivals as an opportunity to trade because of the influx of people. Strengthening barangay-level intelligence is our best defense to ensure these substances do not enter our communities,” said Wanky.
As part of its intensified efforts, PRO-6 has mobilized the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU) alongside city and provincial drug enforcement units. Confidential assets have been deployed to monitor high-value drug personalities and intercept illegal drug distribution during the festival’s peak on January 25 and 26.
On January 9, a successful operation highlighted the importance of such localized intelligence. The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) seized 200 grams of suspected shabu worth an estimated P1.4 million in Barangay Bakhaw, Mandurriao district.
Two high-value suspects, alias “Pebble,” 44, of Barangay San Isidro, La Paz district, and alias “Beng-beng,” 52, from Mandurriao, were arrested during the operation.
“This is a community problem, and community engagement is key. Our barangay intelligence networks must work hand-in-hand with law enforcement to identify those involved and gather actionable evidence,” Wanky added./PN
