Digos City, Davao del Sur — Authorities dismantled a suspected drug den and arrested six individuals, including a high-value target ranked as Regional Level HVI Top 3, during a joint anti-illegal drug operation conducted at around 6:55 p.m. on July 19, 2025, in Purok Durian, Barangay San Miguel, Digos City.
The successful operation was carried out by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 11 – Davao del Sur Provincial Office led by IAV Clodito V. Cañada, in collaboration with the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 11 (RPDEU 11) headed by PMAJ Albert Allan P. Almario Jr., Digos City Police Station under PLTCOL Peter Glenn D. Ipong, and personnel from the 1104th Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB 11) led by PCPT Clay Bourne John Ramil A. Labastida.
Authorities arrested the following suspects, all considered high-value targets:
- Erico John Calma Sarreal, alias Brader, 37, alleged maintainer of the drug den and a Regional Level HVI Top 3
- Maynard, 24, laborer, resident of Sta. Ana, Tres de Mayo
- Rodel, 32, unemployed, resident of Purok Durian, San Miguel
- Jessie, 37, married, driver from Purok Durian, San Miguel
- Edilberto, 33, married, laborer, resident of Purok Talakitok, Dawis
- Jerold, 33, resident of Purok Mizrak, San Miguel
The suspects were caught inside a room used as a drug den and were reportedly engaged in a pot session at the time of arrest.
Seized during the operation were approximately 306.9 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of ₱2,455,200.00, including:
- One (1) heat-sealed sachet weighing about 1.4 grams (subject of the buy-bust)
- Four (4) heat-sealed sachets weighing approximately 305.5 grams (for possession)
- Two improvised glass tooters
- One aluminum foil strip and three foil tooters
Authorities also recovered several non-drug items:
- Eight (8) pieces of ₱1,000 buy-bust money (1 genuine, 7 photocopies)
- Two Android cellular phones
- One weighing scale
- One pair of scissors
- Four disposable lighters
- One plastic container
The arrested individuals will be charged with multiple violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (RA 9165), specifically Sections 5 (Sale), 6 (Maintenance of Drug Den), 7 (Employees and Visitors of Drug Den), 13 (Possession of Drug Paraphernalia), and 14 (Possession of Equipment and Materials for Dangerous Drugs).
According to the Police Regional Office 11 (PRO11), the operation aligns with the directive of Philippine National Police Chief PGen. Nicolas D. Torre III and is part of the intensified campaign under the leadership of Acting Regional Director PBGen. Joseph R. Arguelles.
PRO11 reiterated its unwavering commitment to eliminating illegal drugs and criminal elements in the region, and continues to call on the public to report any suspicious drug-related activities to the nearest police station.