Davao City — A 65-year-old man identified as a high-value individual and regional priority target was arrested in a search operation in Barangay Ilang, Davao City early morning of Friday, November 8, 2025. Authorities confiscated more than ₱625,000 worth of suspected shabu and a firearm from his residence.
The suspect, identified as Joel Salarte, also known as “Bakol,” married and a resident of Bago Uma, Menterbro, Barangay Ilang, was arrested around 6:05 a.m. by operatives implementing Search Warrant No. 2582 issued by Executive Judge Rowena Apao-Adlawan of the 11th Judicial Region, Davao City.
During the search, police recovered four heat-sealed plastic sachets containing approximately 92 grams of suspected shabu with a standard drug value of ₱625,600, along with a 9mm Taurus pistol, a magazine, and five live rounds of ammunition.
According to police reports, Salarte ranks as the #3 Regional Priority Target and is considered a High-Value Individual (HVI) in the region’s anti-drug operations list.
Authorities have filed charges against the suspect for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Salarte is now detained at the Bunawan Police Station pending further investigation and inquest proceedings.
Police reiterated their commitment to intensifying anti-drug operations in the city, warning that the law applies to everyone regardless of age or social status.