SIBUTAD, Zamboanga del Norte — An incumbent barangay chairman was arrested during a buy-bust operation conducted by anti-drug authorities in Sibutad, Zamboanga del Norte, on Monday, June 22, after allegedly selling illegal drugs in his own community.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 9 (PDEA-9), through its Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Office, led the operation in coordination with the Sibutad Municipal Police Station’s Municipal Drug Enforcement Team (MDET) and the 1st Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company (ZNPMFC).
Authorities identified the suspect as Jackson Dele Franco Adetayo, also known by the alias “Negro,” 41, single, and the incumbent barangay chairman of Barangay Marapong, Sibutad.
According to PDEA-9, the operation was carried out in Purok 4, Barangay Marapong, where the suspect was allegedly caught in the act of selling suspected shabu to an undercover operative. Reports indicated that Adetayo was arrested within the vicinity of his residence during the anti-drug operation.
Seized from the suspect’s possession and control were approximately 5.2 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug value of ₱35,360. Authorities also recovered the marked buy-bust money used in the transaction and a flip-top cigarette pack believed to have been used to conceal the illegal substance.
The confiscated evidence was immediately inventoried and subjected to proper documentation in accordance with anti-drug enforcement procedures.
The arrest of a sitting barangay chairman has raised concerns among residents, as barangay officials are expected to be at the forefront of maintaining peace, order, and the implementation of government programs within their communities.
Following his arrest, Adetayo was brought to the Sibutad Municipal Police Station, where he is currently detained pending the filing of formal charges.
Authorities said the suspect will face charges for violating Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) under Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, commonly known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
PDEA-9 emphasized that the successful operation demonstrates the government’s continuing commitment to eradicate illegal drugs, regardless of a suspect’s social status, political position, or influence.
“The campaign against illegal drugs remains relentless. No individual is above the law,” the agency stressed, reiterating its resolve to intensify anti-illegal drug operations across the region.
The arrest marks another significant accomplishment in the ongoing anti-drug campaign in Zamboanga del Norte, where authorities continue to target drug personalities and dismantle local drug networks in an effort to protect communities from the harmful effects of illegal narcotics.
An investigation is ongoing to determine the possible extent of the suspect’s alleged involvement in illegal drug activities and whether other individuals may be connected to the operation.