CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – A dismissed police officer classified as a High-Value Individual (HVI) and his alleged accomplice were arrested in a late-night anti-drug operation in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, where authorities confiscated approximately 80 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated Standard Drug Price (SDP) of ₱544,000.
The joint buy-bust operation was carried out at around 10:21 p.m. on July 17, 2026, in Zone 20, El Mundo, Barangay Natumolan, Tagoloan, by operatives of the Tagoloan Municipal Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit, in coordination with the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office (MORPPO) and the 1001st Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB 10).
Authorities identified the arrested suspects only through their aliases “Wawang,” 29, single, unemployed, and a resident of Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, and “Jey,” 22, single, unemployed, and a resident of Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.
Police said alias “Wawang” had been classified as a High-Value Individual (HVI) in the region’s anti-illegal drugs campaign. Records further revealed that he had been dismissed from the Philippine National Police on February 26, 2026, just months before his arrest. His co-accused, alias “Jey,” was categorized as a Street-Level Individual (SLI).
During the operation, law enforcement personnel recovered 10 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing approximately 80 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of ₱544,000 based on the Dangerous Drugs Board’s Standard Drug Price.
Also seized from the suspects were a black pouch, a PNP identification card, a PNP badge, and the ₱500 marked bill used as buy-bust money.
The recovery of official police paraphernalia from the dismissed officer is expected to form part of the ongoing investigation as authorities determine whether these items were still being unlawfully possessed following his separation from the service.
Investigators are also looking into the suspects’ alleged involvement in the local illegal drug trade and are working to identify other individuals who may be part of their network.
The arrested suspects are currently under the custody of the Tagoloan Municipal Police Station, where documentation and other post-operation procedures are being completed.
Authorities are preparing charges for violations of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Meanwhile, the confiscated suspected shabu has been turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit 10 for qualitative and quantitative laboratory examination to confirm its composition and exact weight.
Police Regional Office 10 Regional Director PBGEN Christopher N. Abrahano commended the operating teams for the successful conduct of the anti-illegal drug operation, emphasizing the Philippine National Police’s continuing commitment to intensify law enforcement efforts against illegal drugs regardless of the status or former affiliation of those involved.
The latest operation underscores PRO-10’s sustained campaign against illegal narcotics in Northern Mindanao, particularly targeting high-value drug personalities and dismantling drug distribution networks operating within the region.