Mati City, Davao Oriental — February 2, 2026
An active barangay councilor—sworn to uphold the law and serve as a frontliner of community welfare—now sits behind bars after being caught in an alleged illegal drug transaction, a stark betrayal of public trust that has sent shockwaves through Mati City.
Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Davao Oriental Provincial Office arrested the suspect, identified as alias “Wad,” 52, an incumbent barangay kagawad of Barangay Lawigan, during a buy-bust operation conducted around 9:00 p.m. on Monday in Barangay Central, Mati City.
According to PDEA-XI, the barangay official allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu to a poseur-buyer who turned out to be an undercover PDEA operative. Immediately after the transaction, agents moved in and placed the councilor under arrest.
Authorities recovered another sachet containing suspected shabu from the suspect’s possession, along with several items of alleged drug paraphernalia—evidence that investigators say strengthens the case against a public official who should have been at the forefront of the fight against illegal drugs.
The arrest has drawn sharp criticism from residents and civic leaders, who expressed outrage that an elected barangay official—tasked with enforcing ordinances, protecting constituents, and promoting peace and order—would allegedly engage in the very crime that destroys families and communities.
The suspect is currently detained and will face charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
PDEA officials reiterated that no one is above the law, stressing that public office is a position of trust, not a shield from accountability. “Those who betray their oath to serve the people will be dealt with accordingly,” authorities said.
As the case moves forward, the arrest stands as a grim reminder that the fight against illegal drugs must begin with integrity in public service—and that those who disgrace their mandate will face the full force of the law.