LUPON, DAVAO ORIENTAL — Police arrested a woman identified by authorities as alias “Madam,” a Regional Top Priority List personality in the illegal drug trade, and seized approximately 150 grams of suspected shabu worth ₱1,033,600 during an anti-illegal drug operation early Friday, August 28, 2026.
The operation was conducted at around 4:50 a.m. in Purok Pag-asa, Barangay Bagumbayan, Lupon, by personnel of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 11 (RPDEU 11) of the Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11).
PRO 11 is headed by Regional Director PBGen Leon Victor Z. Rosete.
The operation was led by PMAJ Dante A. Baguio Jr. of RPDEU 11 under the supervision of PLTCOL Maynard D. Pascual, Chief of RPDEU 11. They were joined by personnel of the Lupon Municipal Police Station, led by Chief of Police PMAJ Ian Marc S. Polestico, and the Police Intelligence Unit of the Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office, headed by PMAJ Butch Kevin P. Rapiz.
The joint operation was conducted in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 11.
According to PRO 11, the operation resulted in the arrest of “Madam” and the recovery of suspected shabu and other pieces of evidence linked to the operation.
Police Detail Seized Evidence
Authorities said two heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu were recovered and identified as the buy-bust items.
Another heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing suspected shabu was also recovered and classified by police as a possession item.
Aside from the suspected illegal drugs, operatives recovered a shoulder bag containing personal belongings, a black pouch, one genuine ₱1,000 bill, and 59 pieces of boodle money used during the operation.
The suspected shabu had an estimated Standard Drug Price (SDP) of ₱1,033,600, according to PRO 11.
The arrest is significant because police identified “Madam” as a personality included on the Regional Top Priority List for illegal drugs, indicating that she had been identified by law enforcement as a priority target in the region’s campaign against the illegal drug trade.
Suspect Placed Under Police Custody
Following her arrest, police said the suspect was informed of her constitutional rights in a language known to her.
“Madam” is currently under the custody of the Lupon Municipal Police Station, along with the confiscated suspected shabu and other evidence, for proper disposition and the filing of appropriate legal proceedings.
The recovered substances will be subjected to the required examination and documentation, while the case will proceed through the appropriate legal process.
The PNP stressed that the arrest forms part of its continuing intelligence-driven campaign against illegal drugs, with police units coordinating with partner agencies to identify and apprehend priority targets.
Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said recent anti-drug operations demonstrate the police force’s continuing effort to address the illegal drug problem through coordinated and lawful police work.
“We will keep doing the work where it matters—on the ground, with our partners, and within the bounds of the law. Hindi lang volume ng nakumpiska ang tinitingnan natin; mahalaga rin na bawat operasyon ay maayos, accountable, at may malinaw na resulta,” Nartatez said.
The PNP said the operations are being carried out under its Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO) and Focused Agenda, which emphasize intelligence-led and coordinated police action while respecting due process and the rights of persons involved.
The Lupon operation also highlights the role of inter-agency coordination in the enforcement of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as police and anti-drug authorities continue efforts to disrupt the illegal drug trade in Davao Region.
Authorities reiterated that the suspect is entitled to due process and the rights guaranteed under the Constitution, and that any criminal liability will ultimately be determined through the proper judicial proceedings.