Mati City, Davao Oriental — Authorities dismantled an alleged drug den and arrested three individuals, including a government employee, during a buy-bust operation along Andravel Street, Barangay Central, in the early hours of Saturday, November 8, 2025.
The operation, conducted around 2:10 a.m. by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Davao Oriental Provincial Office under Regional Office 11, was carried out in coordination with the Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) 11, the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, the Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office, and the Mati City Police Station.
Arrested at the scene were a government worker identified only as alias “Dak-Dak”, alleged co-maintainer of the drug den; alias “Jen-Jen”, reportedly employed at the site; and alias “Bembol”, who was visiting during the operation. However, the alleged main operator, alias “Donde”, and his associate alias “Tan-Tan” managed to evade arrest and are now the subject of a manhunt.
Authorities confiscated six heat-sealed sachets containing suspected shabu weighing about 21 grams, valued at approximately ₱252,000. Also recovered were assorted drug paraphernalia, a .45-caliber magazine loaded with live ammunition, and the marked buy-bust money.
The arrested suspects are now facing charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Law enforcement agencies said the successful operation underscores their continued crackdown on illegal drug activities in Davao Oriental, particularly those involving public officials and employees.