Mati City — A female employee of the City Government of Mati was arrested in a buy-bust operation conducted in Barangay Matiao on Sunday evening, September 21, 2025.
The suspect, identified by her alias “Kim,” 39, and a resident of Purok Malamboon, Barangay Matiao, was apprehended in a joint operation led by the Mati City Police Station and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region XI. She has been tagged as a high-value individual (HVI).
Confiscated from the suspect were three sachets of suspected shabu weighing around four grams, with an estimated street value of more than ₱48,000. Also seized were the ₱500 buy-bust money, a black shoulder bag, and a Toyota Wigo vehicle believed to have been used during the transaction.
The operation was carried out under the supervision of PLtCol. Frederick C. At-ao, Acting Chief of Police of Mati, with support from the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU DOPPO), Regional Intelligence Unit XI (RIU XI), and PDEA DOPPO XI.
Officials and witnesses, including Barangay Chairman Dave De Vera and media representatives, were present during the operation to validate the process and evidence gathering.
Police authorities confirmed that the suspect was informed of her rights and is now under the custody of the Mati City Police Station together with the confiscated items. A case for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, is being prepared against her.