Over P31.9M Worth of Illegal Drugs, Seized; 9 Drug Suspects Arrested in PRO CAR’s Weeklong Drug Ops
The regionwide implementation of intensified anti-illegal drug operations by the Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO CAR) resulted in the seizure of more than P31.9 million worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of nine drug personalities during a weeklong operation conducted from March 23 to 29, 2026.
According to reports from the Regional Operations Division of PRO CAR, a total of 34 anti-illegal drug operations were carried out across the region. These included 27 marijuana eradication operations, three buy-bust operations, and four implementations of search warrants.
As a result of these operations, 123,405 fully grown marijuana plants were destroyed, along with 57,735 grams of dried marijuana leaves and fruiting tops, while 55.68 grams of shabu were confiscated, with an overall Standard Drug Price of PhP31,987,824.00.
In addition, the operations led to the arrest of nine drug personalities, all listed as Street Level Individuals (SLIs). They are now facing charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The most significant accomplishments were recorded in Benguet, where the Benguet Police Provincial Office (PPO) successfully destroyed marijuana plants amounting to PhP25,109,200.00, and in Kalinga, where the Kalinga PPO destroyed PhP6,500,000.00 worth of marijuana.
Further, in Baguio City, the Baguio City Police Office confiscated suspected shabu worth of PhP326,120.00 and apprehended seven SLIs, and in Abra, the Abra PPO seized PhP30,328.00 worth of suspected shabu and arrested one SLI. Meanwhile, in Apayao, the Apayao PPO arrested one SLI and confiscated suspected shabu amounting to PhP2,176.00.
PRO CAR remains steadfast in its intensified campaign against illegal drugs, continuously strengthening its operations and partnerships with other government agencies and various stakeholders. With the active support of the public, PRO CAR continues to push forward its goal of a drug-free and safer environment, ensuring the well-being of all communities in the Cordillera.
Observation of Holy Week in Cordillera generally peaceful
The observance of Holy Week 2026 across the Cordillera region concluded with no major security-related incidents, marking the weeklong Christian tradition as generally peaceful and orderly as residents and pilgrims celebrated in a safe and secure environment from March 27 to April 5, 2026.
This positive outcome was the result of rigorous preparations and strategic security initiatives implemented well before and during the Lenten season, including the early deployment of 1,604 police officers to secure churches, bus terminals, major thoroughfares, and other places of convergence. These efforts were further strengthened by the collaborative support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and various volunteer groups, who served as additional forces to manage the influx of tourists during the long weekend.
With this success, PBGEN ERICSON DIAZ DILAG, Regional Director of the Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO CAR), commended the men and women of PRO CAR, as well as the AFP, BFP, and other volunteers, for their exemplary performance and tireless commitment to public service throughout the week.
Demonstrating hands-on leadership, the PBGEN DILAG, alongside other members of the Command Group and Regional Staff, personally ensured operational readiness through ocular inspections of Municipal and City Police Stations, Police Assistance Desks, and Tourist Assistance Desks across the region to verify the preparedness of personnel on the ground.
With the Lenten season successfully concluded, PRO CAR remains fully prepared and strategically deployed to maintain safety and order for the remainder of the summer vacation across the region.
