GLAN, Sarangani Province — A barangay official entrusted with serving his community is now behind bars after being arrested in a buy-bust operation for allegedly selling illegal drugs, dealing another blow to the government’s anti-narcotics campaign.
A 55-year-old Barangay Kagawad, identified only by the alias “Joebert,” was arrested by joint law enforcement operatives during an anti-illegal drug operation conducted in Barangay Burias, Glan, Sarangani Province, on June 25.
Police said the suspect was classified as a High-Value Individual (HVI) in the illegal drug trade and was caught in the act after allegedly selling suspected shabu to a police poseur-buyer.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the Glan Municipal Police Station in coordination with the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU), Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, Sarangani Maritime Police Station, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office XII.
Authorities recovered two sachets containing approximately 0.405 gram of suspected shabu with an estimated Standard Drug Price (SDP) of ₱2,754, along with the ₱1,000 marked buy-bust money used during the operation.
The suspect is currently under the custody of the Glan Municipal Police Station and is facing charges for violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The confiscated drug evidence has been submitted to the Regional Forensic Unit 12 for laboratory examination.
Police Regional Office 12, under the leadership of Acting Regional Director PBGen Alan B. Manibog, emphasized that the arrest demonstrates the agency’s firm stance that public office offers no protection from criminal liability.
Manibog stressed that no position, rank, or status places anyone above the law, reiterating the police force’s commitment to intensifying the campaign against illegal drugs and ensuring safer communities throughout the SOCCSKSARGEN Region.
“True public service is measured not by one’s position but by obedience to the law. We will continue to cleanse our communities of illegal drugs to maintain a safe and peaceful SOCCSKSARGEN,” Manibog said.
Meanwhile, Barangay Burias Captain Venancio Wata disclosed that village officials had previously received reports regarding the alleged proliferation of illegal drug activities within the barangay.
According to Wata, authorities had been receiving information that several individuals in the community were allegedly engaged in the sale and use of illegal drugs, prompting continued monitoring and coordination with law enforcement agencies.
The barangay chief said he has consistently reminded residents—including members of the barangay council—to stay away from illegal drugs, warning that substance abuse destroys not only lives but also families and communities.
Wata also noted that the municipal government of Glan, under the leadership of Mayor Victor James Yap Sr., has continuously promoted anti-drug awareness campaigns aimed at achieving a drug-free municipality.
The arrest of a sitting barangay official has underscored the government’s intensified crackdown on illegal drugs, sending a strong message that even elected public servants will face the full force of the law if found violating it.