Compostela, Davao de Oro — A public school teacher—expected to mold young minds and serve as a moral compass for the youth—was arrested in the early hours of Saturday after being caught selling illegal drugs in a buy-bust operation, a development authorities described as a grave betrayal of public trust.
Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Davao de Oro, in coordination with local police, arrested the suspect, identified only by the alias “Elmer,” 51, at around 2:30 a.m. on January 25, 2026, in Barangay Poblacion, Compostela. The suspect was allegedly caught in the act of selling a sachet of suspected shabu worth ₱8,000 to an undercover agent.
Also arrested during the operation was his live-in partner, identified as “Jenny,” who was reportedly present at the scene and is now facing the same charges.
Authorities seized four sachets of suspected shabu with an estimated combined weight of 12 grams and a total street value of approximately ₱110,000, along with the marked buy-bust money used in the transaction.
Law enforcement officials said the arrest sends a chilling message, particularly because the suspect belongs to a profession entrusted with shaping values and discipline among young Filipinos. “Teachers are expected to be role models both inside and outside the classroom. When those sworn to educate the youth engage in illegal drugs, it undermines the very foundation of public trust,” an official said.
The suspects will be charged for violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
PDEA reiterated that no profession—no matter how respected—is above the law, stressing that public service demands accountability at all times.