MATI CITY, Davao Oriental — Authorities raided a suspected drug den in Barangay Central on Monday afternoon, arresting three individuals—including a public school principal—during an anti-illegal drug operation that has raised serious concerns about the involvement of a government educator in the illegal drug trade.
Operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office XI, together with the Regional Intelligence Unit and the Mati City Police Station, carried out the operation at around 4:45 p.m. on March 2, 2026, in Purok Marilag, Limatok Street.
According to the official report, authorities swooped down on what was believed to be an active drug den, leading to the arrest of three personalities. Among those apprehended was a public school principal identified by the alias “Jay,” reportedly assigned in Lupon, Davao Oriental. Investigators said the principal was inside the drug den as one of the visitors when the operation was launched.
Law enforcement sources described the arrest as particularly alarming, noting that educators are expected to serve as role models for students and the community. Instead, the suspect now finds himself linked to illegal drug activities that authorities continue to crack down on across the region.
Also arrested during the operation was the alleged maintainer of the drug den, identified as alias “Nene,” 44, who was caught after selling a sachet of suspected shabu worth ₱1,000 to a poseur-buyer during the buy-bust operation. Another visitor, identified by the alias “John,” was likewise taken into custody.
Authorities recovered additional pieces of evidence from the scene, including two more sachets of suspected shabu with an estimated total weight of around five grams and a street value of approximately ₱50,000. Drug paraphernalia and the marked buy-bust money used in the operation were also seized.
The suspects are now under the custody of authorities as documentation and case preparation are underway. They are expected to face charges for violations of Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, the country’s primary law against illegal drugs.
Officials emphasized that operations targeting drug dens remain a priority as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle local drug networks. Investigations are also ongoing to determine whether other individuals may be linked to the illegal drug activities discovered during the raid.
The arrest of a school principal inside a suspected drug den has sparked strong reactions among residents, with many expressing disappointment and concern over the alleged involvement of an education sector figure in illegal drugs—an issue authorities say underscores the need for continued vigilance and enforcement.