PANGANTUCAN, Bukidnon — A 43-year-old man identified by police as the Top 8 Regional Priority Target and a high-value individual in the illegal drug trade was arrested during a joint police operation that resulted in the seizure of 60.5 grams of suspected shabu worth an estimated ₱411,400 in Barangay Malipayon, Pangantucan, Bukidnon.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) and the Pangantucan Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the Provincial Intelligence Unit and the Bukidnon Police Provincial Office (Buk PPO).
Police conducted the operation at Purok 2, Barangay Malipayon by virtue of a Search and Seizure Warrant issued in connection with an alleged violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The warrant was dated August 26, 2026.
During the implementation of the warrant, police recovered suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, with a total weight of 60.5 grams. Authorities placed its estimated value at ₱411,400 based on the standard drug price.
The arrested man was described by authorities as a 43-year-old male and was classified as the Top 8 Regional Priority Target, or high-value individual, in the police’s illegal drug personality list.
The operation underscores the continuing focus of law enforcement authorities in Bukidnon on individuals considered priority targets in the distribution and possession of illegal drugs, particularly those allegedly operating at a level significant enough to be included in regional priority lists.
Buk PPO Provincial Director PCOL Navales commended the operating units for the successful implementation of the anti-illegal drug operation, citing their professionalism, dedication and commitment to enforcing the law.
“I extend my commendation to the joint operating units led by Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit for the successful conduct of the anti-illegal drug operation,” Navales said, emphasizing that the personnel’s efforts demonstrated high standards of public service and continued commitment to combating illegal drugs.
The confiscated suspected shabu was brought to the Bukidnon Provincial Forensic Unit for qualitative and quantitative examination. The laboratory examination is expected to determine the substance’s identity and confirm its exact composition and weight.
Meanwhile, police said cases for alleged violations of Sections 11 and 12, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165 are being prepared for filing before the appropriate court.
Section 11 of the law penalizes the possession of dangerous drugs, while Section 12 covers possession of equipment, instrument, apparatus and other paraphernalia used for dangerous drugs.
The arrested suspect remains under the custody of the Pangantucan Municipal Police Station of the Bukidnon Police Provincial Office for documentation and proper disposition.
Authorities did not release the suspect’s name, identifying him only through his age and classification as a regional priority target.
The operation forms part of the continuing anti-illegal drug campaign of police authorities in Bukidnon, with enforcement efforts targeting individuals identified through intelligence and police monitoring as priority personalities in the illegal drug trade.