BUTUAN CITY – Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 scored a major breakthrough in its anti-drug campaign with the arrest of two high-value individuals (HVIs) and the confiscation of an estimated ₱476,000 worth of suspected shabu in a buy-bust operation early Wednesday, September 4, in Barangay Masao.
Authorities identified the suspects only by their aliases: “Jipoy,” 35, a resident of Barangay San Ignacio, and “Toto,” 38, a resident of Barangay Bancasi. Both were arrested at around 4:40 a.m. after they allegedly transacted with undercover operatives.
The joint law enforcement effort was carried out by the Regional Intelligence Division 13, Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU) 13, Regional Special Operations Unit 13, Butuan City Drug Enforcement Unit, and Butuan City Police Station 3, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 13.
Seized during the operation were 70 grams of suspected shabu, buy-bust money, an Armscor caliber .45 pistol, and assorted drug paraphernalia.
The suspects are now under the custody of RDEU 13, facing charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act No. 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
PBGen Marcial Mariano P. Magistrado IV, PRO13 regional director, lauded the successful operation, stressing the police force’s commitment to dismantling drug networks in the region.
“PRO13 will continue to pursue high-value targets and dismantle drug networks in the region. We call on the public to support us by reporting crimes and illegal activities for immediate police action,” Magistrado said.