CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Authorities arrested three suspected drug personalities and confiscated approximately ₱1.3 million worth of illegal drugs in a coordinated anti-drug operation in Barangay Patag on April 13, 2026.
Operatives from the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 10, working closely with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 10 and several local police and intelligence units, carried out the buy-bust operation that led to the apprehension of the suspects identified only by their aliases “Opaw,” 46; “Romi,” 42; and “Dixon,” 46.
All three suspects are residents of the area. Police records revealed that “Opaw” and “Romi” are first-time offenders, although “Romi” was noted to be a former member of the military who reportedly went absent without official leave (AWOL). Meanwhile, “Dixon” was identified as a repeat offender. Authorities said the suspects were unemployed and allegedly relied on illegal drug activities as their primary source of income.
Seized during the operation were seven heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, weighing approximately 200 grams, with an estimated street value of ₱1,360,000. Also recovered were a pouch bag, a coin purse, an Android mobile phone, and a marked ₱1,000 bill used in the buy-bust transaction.
The operation turned tense when one of the suspects allegedly resisted arrest and attacked members of the operating team, resulting in injuries and bruises. Both the suspect and the involved police personnel were rushed to the JR. Borja General Hospital for immediate medical treatment.
Following the operation, the suspects were placed under temporary detention at the Maharlika Detention Facility as authorities prepare to file charges against them for violations of Sections 5 (sale of illegal drugs) and 11 (possession of illegal drugs), Article II of Republic Act 9165.
The confiscated drug evidence has been turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit 10 for further qualitative and quantitative examination.
Christopher N. Abrahano, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 10, commended the joint operating units for the successful conduct of the operation, emphasizing the continued commitment of law enforcement agencies to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs in Northern Mindanao.