MAWAB, Davao de Oro — A 23-year-old motorcycle rider was arrested while his 16-year-old passenger was placed under protective custody after authorities allegedly recovered large packages of suspected shabu during a border control checkpoint in Barangay Tuboran, Mawab, Davao de Oro, shortly after 4 a.m. on September 7, 2026.
The rider, identified only by the alias “Russ,” is a resident of Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. His 16-year-old passenger, who was also identified as a resident of the same city, was rescued and turned over for appropriate protective intervention.
According to the Mawab Municipal Police Station, the two were approaching the border control checkpoint when personnel of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company flagged them down.
Authorities initially stopped the motorcycle after noticing that it allegedly had no side mirror and no license plate. The rider was also reportedly unable to present a driver’s license.
The pair could only produce a copy of the motorcycle’s Official Receipt/Certificate of Registration (OR/CR).
It was during the retrieval of the motorcycle documents from the rider’s coin purse that police personnel allegedly noticed a sachet containing suspected shabu falling from the purse.
This prompted authorities to conduct a body search on the rider.
During the search, police allegedly recovered two large packages of suspected shabu concealed inside the jogger pants worn by the rider.
The seized substances were estimated by authorities to have a street value of approximately ₱1.3 million.
Mawab Municipal Police Station chief PMAJ June Eric Deguito said the discovery led to the arrest of the rider and the rescue of his 16-year-old passenger.
Authorities did not identify the minor in accordance with child-protection considerations.
The circumstances surrounding the minor’s presence with the suspect are expected to be subject to further investigation as authorities determine whether the teenager may have been exposed to or involved in the alleged transport of illegal drugs.
Meanwhile, the arrested rider is now detained and is expected to face charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The confiscated substance will undergo the required examination and documentation as part of the investigation and case proceedings.
The arrest underscores the role of border checkpoints in intercepting suspected illegal drug shipments moving between provinces, particularly along routes connecting parts of Mindanao.
The suspect remains entitled to due process, and the allegations against him will ultimately be determined by the proper court.