BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur — A joint anti-drug operation conducted by operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 13 (PDEA RO 13) and local police authorities led to the successful dismantling of an alleged drug den and the arrest of three individuals during an early morning buy-bust operation in Bislig City on May 28, 2026.
The operation was carried out at around 1:15 a.m. in Purok 6, Felings Village, John Bosco District, Barangay Mangagoy, following intensified anti-illegal drug monitoring and surveillance operations in the area.
Authorities identified the arrested suspects as a 57-year-old electrician who was allegedly maintaining the drug den, along with two alleged visitors — a jobless male and a tricycle driver, both residents of Bislig City.
The operation was jointly conducted by the PDEA RO 13 Regional Special Enforcement Team (RSET), Surigao del Sur Provincial Office, Agusan del Norte Provincial Office, SIU-Nasipit, Legal and Prosecution Unit, and personnel of the Bislig City Police Station.
During the operation, law enforcement authorities confiscated approximately five grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price value of Php34,000. Also recovered from the scene were assorted drug paraphernalia and the marked buy-bust money used by undercover operatives during the transaction.
The three arrested suspects are now facing multiple charges for violations of Sections 5, 6, 7, 11, and 12 under Article II of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. These provisions cover the sale, maintenance of a drug den, visitation of a drug den, possession of dangerous drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
PDEA RO 13 Regional Director Laurefel P. Gabales commended the operating teams for the successful conduct of the operation, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency cooperation in the government’s continuing crackdown against illegal drugs.
“The success of this operation demonstrates the effectiveness of strong inter-agency collaboration among law enforcement units in the relentless campaign against illegal drugs. This accomplishment would not have been possible without the cooperation and continued support of our local government units and vigilant members of the community who actively assist authorities in maintaining peace and order,” Gabales said.
The regional director stressed that the fight against illegal drugs should not rest solely on the shoulders of law enforcement agencies but must also involve active participation from communities and local stakeholders.
Gabales likewise renewed his appeal to individuals still involved in illegal drug activities to voluntarily surrender and avail themselves of government rehabilitation and community-based reformation programs.
“We encourage those who are still involved in illegal drug activities to choose the path of reform and recovery. The government continues to provide opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society through various intervention and reformation programs,” he added.
PDEA RO 13 reaffirmed its commitment to intensify anti-illegal drug operations across the region in close coordination with partner law enforcement agencies, local government units, and community stakeholders as part of efforts to maintain peace, order, and public safety in Caraga Region.