Newly-Created PDEA RO-NIR Goes Into Action, Nabs SK Councilor, 2 Others

The newly-created Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PDEA RO-NIR) burst onto the scene with an impressive start in its campaign against illegal drugs, with the arrest of high-value-targeted personalities.

On July 14, 2025 at around 5:15 in the afternoon, joint elements of PDEA RO-NIR Siquijor Provincial Office and local police authorities conducted a buy-bust operation in Barangay Ibabao, Siguijor, Siquijor that led to the apprehension of alias “Lhemar”, a 23-year-old Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Councilor and resident of Barangay Tignao, Lazi, Siquijor. Seized from him were two plastic sachets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, weighing approximately 0.15-gram, one mobile phone, one motorcycle and the buy-bust money used during the operation.

In the evening of the day after, two suspected pushers identified as alias “Arco”, 43 years old, unemployed; and alias “Benjie”, 47 years old, a tricycle driver, were arrested following another buy-bust-operation carried out by combined operatives of PDEA RO-NIR Negros Occidental Provincial Office, Regional Special Enforcement Team, and local police in Zone 1, Jaciento Street, Barangay 3, Poblacion, Hinigaran, Negros Occidental. Found in their possession were eight sachets of suspected shabu weighing roughly 55 grams.

Violations of Sections 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of Republic Act 9165, or The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2022, await the arrested suspects. If found guilty, a penalty of life imprisonment and a fine ranging from P500,000.00 to P10,000,000.00 shall be imposed upon them.

PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani R Nerez said that in compliance with the passage of Republic Act 12000, otherwise known as “The Negros Island Region Act” on June 11, 2024, PDEA has officially created and operationalized the PDEA RO-NIR under Regional Director Melvin Estoque.

The PDEA RO-NIR shall operate within the provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays in Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental and Siquijor, unless otherwise authorized to operate outside its jurisdiction.

“The opening of PDEA RO-NIR will further accelerate and improve the delivery of our services in the region. This promotes a strong regional presence to optimize productivity and maximize efficiency in safeguarding our Negrense people from the threats of illegal drugs”, DG Nerez added.* (PDEA text & photos)