CANTILAN, Surigao del Sur — A suspected High-Value Individual (HVI) in the illegal drug trade was arrested after police seized approximately 125 grams of suspected shabu worth an estimated ₱850,000, along with a firearm, ammunition, drug paraphernalia, and other evidence during a buy-bust operation shortly after midnight on Friday, July 10, in Barangay Calagdaan, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur.
The operation was carried out at around 12:19 a.m. in Purok 2, Barangay Calagdaan, through a coordinated effort led by the Cantilan Municipal Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit under PCPT Jovie C. Alngog, Officer-in-Charge of the station, with support from the Regional Intelligence Division 13 through a Target Intelligence Packet (TIP) and in close coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Authorities identified the suspect only by the alias “Lolong,” a 39-year-old laborer and resident of Barangay Calagdaan. Police said the suspect had been listed as a High-Value Individual, making him a priority target in the government’s intensified anti-illegal drugs campaign.
During the operation, law enforcement officers recovered around 125 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) with a Standard Drug Price (SDP) of approximately ₱850,000.
In addition to the illegal drugs, authorities confiscated numerous items allegedly linked to the suspect’s illegal activities. These included four mobile phones, a glass oil burner pipe, improvised drug paraphernalia, a 9mm pistol loaded with a magazine containing 20 live rounds of ammunition, several identification cards, the marked buy-bust money, an additional ₱6,000 in cash, a black sling bag, and a Yamaha Aerox motorcycle believed to have been used in the suspect’s operations.
Police have taken custody of the suspect and all recovered evidence pending documentation, further investigation, and the filing of appropriate criminal charges for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act No. 9165) and other applicable laws, including possible charges under the country’s firearms regulations.
PCPT Alngog said the successful operation reflects the sustained commitment of the Philippine National Police to dismantle illegal drug networks and prevent the proliferation of dangerous drugs in local communities.
“The successful operation demonstrates our continuing commitment to eliminate the illegal drug trade and protect our communities from its harmful effects,” Alngog said.
He also acknowledged the support of Cantilan Municipal Mayor Philip A. Pichay, emphasizing that the local government’s partnership with law enforcement has significantly strengthened anti-criminality efforts in the municipality.
According to Alngog, the close coordination between the Municipal Government, the Philippine National Police, and other law enforcement agencies has become a crucial factor in ensuring the success of intelligence-driven operations aimed at suppressing illegal drugs and other criminal activities.
The Cantilan Municipal Police Station vowed to continue conducting intelligence-led operations and strengthening collaboration with partner agencies and the local government as part of its ongoing campaign to maintain peace and order and achieve a safer, more secure, and drug-free Municipality of Cantilan.