OPOL, Misamis Oriental — A barangay kagawad identified by police as a High-Value Individual (HVI) and regional priority target was arrested after a joint buy-bust operation that allegedly yielded about P34,000 worth of suspected shabu in Barangay Barra, Opol, Misamis Oriental, on September 11, 2026.
The operation was conducted at around 3:48 p.m. by personnel of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of the Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office (MORPPO) and the Opol Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 10.
Arrested was alias “Jigo,” 39, single, male, and an incumbent barangay kagawad and resident of Misamis Oriental. Police identified him as a High-Value Individual and a Regional Priority Target in their anti-illegal drug operations.
Authorities said they recovered four heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu. The suspected drugs had an estimated combined weight of five grams and a stated Standard Drug Price (SDP) of P34,000.
Also recovered during the operation were one blue canister and a P500 bill reportedly used as buy-bust money.
Police Probe to Examine Possible Extent of Involvement
Initial police investigation indicated that the suspect is considered a first-time offender, according to authorities. Investigators, however, said the case would undergo further scrutiny to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged drug transaction and determine the full extent of the suspect’s possible involvement in the illegal drug trade.
Authorities are also looking into whether the suspect’s position as an elected barangay official may have been used to facilitate, protect, or otherwise support alleged illegal drug activities.
The investigation may also determine whether other individuals were involved, although no additional suspects were identified in the initial police report.
The case is particularly significant because the arrested individual is an incumbent barangay official. Police emphasized that holding public office does not exempt anyone from law enforcement and that any allegation involving an elected official must be established through evidence and the proper legal process.
Facing Charges Under RA 9165
The suspect remains under the custody of the Opol Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.
Police said he is set to face charges for alleged violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Section 5 covers the illegal sale, trading, administration, delivery, distribution and transportation of dangerous drugs, while Section 11 covers illegal possession of dangerous drugs.
The seized suspected drugs were turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit 10 for qualitative and quantitative laboratory examination.
The forensic examination will be crucial in determining whether the seized substance is indeed methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, and in establishing its precise weight.
PRO10: Public Office Must Never Be a Shield
Police Regional Office 10 Director PBGen Nestor C. Babagay Jr. said the operation forms part of the region’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs and is consistent with the Chief PNP’s Focused Agenda and the directives of the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government on strengthened law enforcement, accountability and impartial implementation of the law.
Babagay stressed that law enforcement would apply regardless of a person’s position, influence or status in the community.
“This clearly shows PRO10’s firm commitment to enforcing the law and holding accountable those involved in the illegal drug trade, regardless of their position or influence,” Babagay said.
He added that public office is a position of trust and responsibility and should never be used as protection for criminal activity.
“We will continue to uphold the law fairly and without fear or favor,” he said.
The arrest remains an allegation at this stage, and the suspect is entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty by a competent court.