TAGUM CITY — A known political blogger who operates popular local news and political pages was arrested in a drug buy-bust operation in Tagum City after authorities allegedly recovered a large quantity of suspected shabu, before prosecutors later dismissed the case, according to official records.
The suspect was identified as Jaime “James” Gaking, 33, single, a renter in Barangay Magugpo North, Tagum City, and a Lumad native of Pantukan, Davao de Oro. Gaking is known as the page administrator of De Oro Today and MindaNOW Updates, and is reportedly active in political campaigning during election periods by offering social media services to politicians.
Based on initial reports, operatives from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) conducted a joint buy-bust operation on the evening of Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Purok A, Suaybaguio, Barangay Magugpo North. Authorities claimed that Gaking was caught in possession of two large packs of suspected shabu, prompting his immediate arrest.
Further search of his rented room allegedly yielded 10 more small sachets of suspected shabu along with drug paraphernalia. Law enforcers estimated the total confiscated drugs to weigh around 75 grams, with an estimated street value of more than ₱500,000. Following the operation, Gaking was detained at the NBI Tagum City detention facility while inquest proceedings were underway.
However, in a major development on December 22, prosecutors dismissed the drug charges against Gaking, leading to his release. Authorities confirmed that the case was dropped by the prosecution, although details on the grounds for dismissal were not immediately disclosed to the public.
The incident has sparked public discussion, given Gaking’s visibility as a political blogger and social media influencer in Mindanao. Law enforcement agencies reiterated that operations are conducted based on intelligence reports and evidence, while legal outcomes remain subject to prosecutorial review and judicial process.
Officials reminded the public that arrests do not equate to guilt, emphasizing the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence under the law.