SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte — Government anti-drug authorities carried out separate operations in Surigao City on September 14, 2026, resulting in the arrest of suspected drug personalities and the seizure of methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu.
The operations were conducted through the coordinated efforts of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 13–Surigao del Norte Provincial Office, the Surigao del Norte Provincial Office Provincial Intelligence Unit/Drug Enforcement Unit, the Surigao City Police Station, and the Surigao City PDEA Seaport Interdiction Unit.
In the first operation, authorities arrested a 35-year-old alleged high-value drug personality during a buy-bust operation at Purok 1, Barangay San Juan, Surigao City, on September 14.
The joint team seized three heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substances believed to be shabu. The seized substances had an aggregate estimated weight of 4.5 grams and an estimated value of ₱30,600.
Authorities also recovered the buy-bust money, a mobile phone and a motorcycle believed to be connected to the operation.
The arrested suspect is facing charges for alleged violations of Section 5, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the sale of dangerous drugs, and Section 11, Article II, or possession of dangerous drugs, under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The seized drug evidence is subject to the required laboratory examination and disposition procedures in accordance with law.
BFP member arrested in separate buy-bust
In a separate operation later that evening, authorities also arrested a 28-year-old member of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) identified by authorities by the alias “Geotiana.”
The operation was conducted at around 9:45 p.m. at Purok 8, Barangay Taft, Surigao City, with the PDEA Regional Office 13–Surigao del Norte Provincial Office serving as lead unit.
The operation was led by Intelligence Agent I Paul Estalani, with the participation of the Surigao del Norte Provincial Office Provincial Intelligence Unit/Drug Enforcement Unit, Surigao City Police Station, and the Surigao City PDEA Seaport Interdiction Unit under Intelligence Agent 3 Paul Pestelos.
Authorities said the operation resulted in the recovery of one heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, with an estimated weight of 0.5 gram.
The suspected drug was identified as the subject of the sale during the buy-bust operation. Authorities placed its estimated street value at ₱3,000, with a reported standard value of ₱3,400.
Recovered non-drug evidence included one genuine ₱1,000 bill used as buy-bust money, bearing serial number PU964783, as well as two ₱1,000 counterfeit bills. Investigators also recovered an iPhone 16, identification cards and a disposable lighter.
The suspect, described as a 28-year-old single resident of Barangay Taft, Surigao City, is facing a case for alleged violation of Section 5, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, relating to the sale of dangerous drugs.
Authorities call for continued public cooperation
PDEA Regional Office 13 Regional Director Laurefel P. Gabales commended the participating law enforcement units for their coordinated efforts in carrying out the operations.
Gabales also acknowledged the assistance of local government units, witnesses and community members whose cooperation and information-sharing, according to PDEA, continue to help authorities identify and address suspected illegal drug activities.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspected drug-related activities to the proper authorities.
“I encourage everyone to continue reporting illegal drug activities in your respective barangays. Your reports can help authorities act promptly and prevent illegal drugs from destroying more lives and families. Let us continue working together for safer and drug-free communities,” Gabales said.
PDEA also reminded the public that assistance and information may be coursed through its Regional Public Assistance Desk Officers (RPADOs), who are also authorized representatives of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).
The latest operations underscore the continuing anti-drug campaign in Surigao City, with law enforcement agencies relying on intelligence gathering, coordinated interdiction and community information to disrupt the sale and distribution of illegal drugs.
All suspects remain entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.