Valencia City, Bukidnon – A buy-bust operation conducted by the Valencia City Police Station, led by PLTCOL Byan M. Panganiban, in coordination with PIU BukPPO, Task Force Kalinaw, and RPDEU 10, resulted in an armed encounter and the arrest of four individuals, including a high-value drug suspect, on March 14, 2025, in Purok 2, Barangay Lourdes.
During the operation, one suspect, known as alias “Lolong,” sustained injuries in the encounter. Barangay health workers immediately provided medical assistance to the wounded suspect. Law enforcement officers successfully apprehended a 32-year-old male identified as a high-value target, along with three other newly identified male drug suspects.
Authorities seized a total of 50.8 grams of illegal drugs with an estimated standard drug price of Php 345,440. Additionally, the operation led to the confiscation of firearms and ammunition, including:
- One caliber .45 Colt pistol
- One steel magazine for caliber .45
- Three caliber .45 cartridges
- One fired cartridge case of caliber .45
- Four caliber .22 cartridges
- One caliber .22 Squires Bingham rifle
PCOL Culaway commended the swift and decisive action of the operating units, recognizing their bravery and dedication in ensuring public safety.
“I commend the operating units for their outstanding performance during the recent drug buy-bust operation in Valencia City. Your swift actions led to the successful arrest of four individuals and the seizure of illegal drugs and firearms. Despite the armed encounter, you demonstrated exceptional bravery and ensured the safety of your fellow officers and the public. Your dedication has made a significant impact in our fight against illegal drugs. Keep up the excellent work,” PCOL Culaway stated.
The arrested individuals were taken to the Valencia City Health Center for a medical examination, while the seized non-drug evidence was turned over to the Valencia City Police Station for proper documentation. The confiscated drug evidence was forwarded to the Bukidnon Forensic Unit for qualitative and quantitative analysis.
Authorities have prepared charges for violations of Section 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) against the suspects, which will be filed in court.
