Record-Setting Nine-Month Campaign in Central Visayas
The Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 has released a comprehensive update on its intensified anti-illegal drug campaign across Central Visayas, reporting nearly 7,000 drug personalities apprehended from January 1 to September 25, 2025. The nine-month drive reflects a sustained effort to curb the illegal drug trade through aggressive policing, targeted operations, and robust community engagement.
During the period, PRO 7 conducted 6,003 anti-illegal drug operations, leading to the apprehension of 6,995 suspects. The scale of seizures underscores the breadth of the initiative, with authorities recovering a substantial volume of illegal substances and related paraphernalia that threaten public safety in the region.
Impressive Seizures Highlight the Drug Trade
Security forces reported seizure of 111,948.80 grams of shabu, valued at approximately P761.2 million. In addition to methamphetamine, authorities confiscated dried marijuana leaves and plants valued at more than P3.1 million, 250 grams of cocaine worth about P1.3 million, and 60 ecstasy tablets amounting to roughly P102,000. These figures illustrate the diverse and persistent nature of drug trafficking networks operating within Central Visayas.
Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, PRO 7 chief, emphasized that the ongoing operations are part of a dual approach: reducing supply through enforcement while also curbing demand through education and rehabilitation. “The continuous operations have led to meaningful gains, including the declaration of 1,600 barangays as drug-cleared since January this year, with 36 barangays confirmed drug-free by the Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing,” Maranan stated.
Beyond Arrests: A Commitment to Demand Reduction
The PRO 7 campaign seeks more than merely combatting the supply side of illegal drugs. Officials stress that deman d reduction and community resilience are essential for lasting impact. The strategy includes awareness campaigns, education programs, and rehabilitation initiatives designed to prevent relapse and reduce the demand for illegal substances. Local government units and communities are being mobilized to reinforce the message that drug use undermines families and neighborhoods, and that prevention and treatment offer sustainable pathways out of addiction.
“Our comprehensive approach addresses the root causes of drug use, ensuring sustainable long-term success in our fight against illegal drugs,” Maranan added. The emphasis on partnerships underscores a broader commitment to building safer communities, where enforcement and support services work hand in hand to reduce both supply and demand.
Looking Ahead: Toward a Drug-Cleared Central Visayas
The progress reported by PRO 7 signals a significant step toward a fully drug-cleared region. While arrests and seizures grab headlines, officials acknowledge that durable results depend on continued collaboration with local officials, health authorities, and civil society groups. The momentum suggests that more barangays could be declared drug-cleared or drug-free as monitoring and rehabilitation programs expand.
Residents and local leaders are urged to remain vigilant and participate in community-based efforts. The message is clear: sustained law enforcement, effective prevention, and accessible treatment together create the best chance of keeping Central Visayas safe from the harms of illegal drugs.
As the region awaits further updates, the nine-month milestone provides both a snapshot of current challenges and a blueprint for a holistic response—an approach that blends arrests with public health, education, and community empowerment to forge a safer Central Visayas for all.
