CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A suspected high-value drug personality who slipped away during a police anti-drug operation earlier this week was finally arrested in a follow-up buy-bust operation conducted by the Police Regional Office-10 (PRO-10), resulting in the seizure of more than 160 grams of suspected shabu worth an estimated ₱1.088 million.
The operation was carried out at around 6:41 p.m. on July 30, 2026, in Berjaya, Barangay Camaman-an, Cagayan de Oro City, where authorities apprehended the suspect identified only by the alias “Jojo,” 54, a barangay employee and resident of the city.
Police identified “Jojo” as one of the Top 10 Regional Priority Drug Targets for the month of July.
The successful operation was jointly conducted by operatives of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) Team 1, in coordination with personnel from COCPO RA RID 10, COCPO CMFC, PDEG SOU 10, COCPO Police Station 2-Cogon, and the Regional Intelligence Unit 10.
During the operation, authorities confiscated 14 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu with a total estimated weight of 160 grams and an estimated Standard Drug Price of ₱1.088 million. Also recovered were a black sling bag, a plastic cellophane container, and a ₱1,000 bill used as marked buy-bust money.
Escaped During Earlier Operation
According to investigators, the suspect was the same individual who managed to escape during a buy-bust operation conducted on July 27, 2026, in Barangay 36, Cagayan de Oro City.
In that earlier operation, authorities successfully arrested one of his alleged cohorts and seized approximately 500 grams of suspected shabu valued at ₱3.4 million. However, “Jojo” evaded arrest and went into hiding.
Police said the suspect allegedly sought refuge in Berjaya, Barangay Camaman-an, after fleeing but continued his illegal drug activities while on the run.
Through sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance, and follow-up operations, law enforcement operatives tracked down his location and launched another buy-bust operation that ultimately resulted in his arrest just three days after his escape.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities also disclosed that the arrested suspect is the brother of a barangay captain in Cagayan de Oro City.
Investigators are continuing efforts to identify the source of the confiscated illegal drugs. Police said the suspect has refused to cooperate, declining to reveal the identity of his supplier or disclose where the illegal drugs originated.
The suspect is currently detained at the Maharlika Custodial Facility.
He will face charges for Violation of Sections 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Authorities will also file an additional charge for Violation of Section 5 of the same law in connection with the July 27 buy-bust operation, during which he escaped arrest.
PRO-10: Justice Cannot Be Escaped
PRO-10 Regional Director PBGEN Christopher N. Abrahano commended the operating units for their relentless pursuit of the fugitive and emphasized that law enforcement will continue to intensify its campaign against illegal drugs.
“This arrest proves that fleeing from the authorities only delays justice—it does not prevent it. Our operating units remained relentless in tracking the suspect, and their persistence resulted in the successful capture of a regional priority drug target. We will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations to dismantle illegal drug networks and ensure that every individual involved in the illegal drug trade is held accountable,” Abrahano said.
The arrest marks another significant accomplishment in PRO-10’s intensified anti-illegal drug campaign, underscoring the regional police force’s commitment to pursuing high-value drug personalities and dismantling drug trafficking networks operating in Northern Mindanao.