VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon — Three individuals, including the alleged maintainer of a drug den, were arrested after authorities conducted a joint buy-bust operation in Purok 19, Poblacion, Valencia City, Bukidnon on August 28, 2026.
The operation was carried out at around 5:20 p.m. by operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 10 Bukidnon Provincial Office, in coordination with the Valencia City Police Station and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) Bukidnon Provincial Intelligence Team (PIT).
According to PDEA 10, the operation resulted in the arrest of three men and the seizure of 24 sachets containing suspected shabu in various sizes.
The confiscated suspected illegal drugs had an approximate combined weight of 42 grams and an estimated standard market value of ₱288,592, based on the agency’s valuation.
PDEA Regional Director Alex M. Tablate identified the arrested individuals by their aliases as “Pata,” 31; “Goy,” 32; and “Nonoy,” 36. All three were identified as residents of Poblacion, Valencia City.
Authorities identified “Pata” as the alleged drug den maintainer.
Aside from the suspected shabu, law enforcement officers also confiscated a brown wallet, a cellular phone, several pieces of suspected drug paraphernalia, and the buy-bust money used during the operation.
The seizure and arrests underscore the continuing focus of law enforcement agencies on drug dens, which authorities consider a significant component of the illegal drug trade because they provide locations where illegal drugs may allegedly be stored, distributed, or used.
PDEA 10 said the operation demonstrates the agency’s continuing inter-agency efforts to dismantle drug dens and prevent illegal drugs from reaching communities.
The three suspects are facing possible charges for alleged violations of Sections 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, and 15 of Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The provisions cited by authorities cover offenses involving the illegal sale, maintenance of a drug den, possession of dangerous drugs and drug paraphernalia, and use of dangerous drugs, among other prohibited acts, depending on the evidence presented in the cases.
Following their arrest, the suspects were brought to the PDEA-10 custodial facility, where they remain detained pending the filing of appropriate cases.
The operation adds to the continuing anti-illegal drug campaign in Bukidnon, with PDEA and its law enforcement partners targeting not only individuals allegedly involved in the sale and possession of dangerous drugs but also locations allegedly being used as drug dens.
Authorities have reiterated that sustained coordination among enforcement agencies is critical in disrupting illegal drug activities and protecting communities from the broader effects of the illegal drug trade.
The allegations against the three arrested individuals remain subject to the appropriate legal proceedings, and they are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a competent court.