Valencia City, Bukidnon – A drug buy-bust operation conducted by law enforcement authorities early Friday morning, May 16, 2025, resulted in the arrest of two drug suspects and an armed confrontation in Purok 5, Barangay Lourdes.
Personnel of the Valencia City Police Station led by PLTCOL Bryan M. Panganiban, in coordination with the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) 10 and Bukidnon Provincial Intelligence Unit (BUK PIU), carried out the operation at around 6:04 AM. The primary target, identified by his alias “Ikoy,” sensed he was transacting with an undercover police officer and immediately opened fire. Fortunately, the officer evaded injury.
As gunfire erupted, two other suspects, identified by aliases “Rando,” 38, and “Rickie,” 34, who were inside a nearby hut, also fired at the approaching operatives. The operating team returned fire using necessary and reasonable force, resulting in a short exchange of gunfire. “Rando” sustained a gunshot wound to his left calf, while “Rickie” suffered a non-gunshot-related forehead injury. Both suspects were arrested on site.
Meanwhile, “Ikoy,” 29, managed to escape during the commotion and remains at large. Police units have coordinated with nearby stations and intelligence networks to facilitate his immediate capture.
Recovered during the operation were approximately 15.2 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of ₱103,360. Authorities also confiscated several firearms and ammunition, including:
- One improvised 12-gauge shotgun
- Three pieces of 12-gauge shot shells
- One 12-gauge steel magazine
- One improvised 9mm UZI
- Four live 9mm cartridges
- Three spent 9mm cartridges
- One 9mm steel magazine
The suspects are facing charges for violating Sections 5 and 11 of Article II of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act). The case has been referred to the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Malaybalay City.
The arrested individuals and confiscated items were brought to the Valencia City Police Station for proper disposition. The seized drugs were submitted to the Provincial Forensic Unit for laboratory examination.
Authorities continue to pursue leads on the whereabouts of alias “Ikoy” as the crackdown on illegal drugs in the region intensifies.