STA. MARIA, Davao Occidental — A 67-year-old man was arrested after authorities caught him allegedly practicing dentistry without a valid license during a joint law enforcement operation in Purok Talisay, Barangay San Isidro, Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental, on September 23, 2026.
The suspect, identified by authorities as alias “Gardo,” is married and a resident of the area. He was reportedly operating as a dentist despite allegedly lacking the legal license required to practice the profession.
Authorities arrested Gardo at approximately 2:55 p.m. during the implementation of OPLAN OLEA (Other Law Enforcement Activities), an operation targeting illegal activities.
The operation was led by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Davao Occidental Provincial Field Unit, with support from the Sta. Maria Municipal Police Station under the supervision of its officer-in-charge, PCapt. Jan Reywan L. Abadia, and in coordination with the Municipal Health Office (MHO).
According to the report, operatives caught the suspect in the act of allegedly performing dental work when they conducted the operation.
Gardo is now facing a complaint for the alleged violation of Republic Act No. 9484, or the Philippine Dental Act of 2007, which governs the practice of dentistry in the country.
The arrest highlights the enforcement of regulations intended to ensure that dental services are provided by properly licensed practitioners. The case will proceed through the appropriate legal process, where the allegations against the suspect will be addressed.