KALILANGAN, Bukidnon — Police arrested a 29-year-old man identified by the alias “Berto” after authorities seized approximately 70.13 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of ₱476,884 during a buy-bust operation in Kalilangan, Bukidnon, in the early hours of September 19, 2026.
Police identified Berto as an alleged high-value individual (HVI) in the illegal drug trade and said he is a resident of Damulog, Bukidnon.
The operation was conducted at approximately 12:47 a.m. by personnel of the Municipal Drug Enforcement Unit (MDEU) of the Kalilangan Municipal Police Station, with the unit led by Police Major Teresita L. Manejero, officer-in-charge of the station.
The operation was carried out with the assistance of the Bukidnon Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10, 1004th Company, 2nd Provincial Battalion, and 2nd Bukidnon Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC).
70.13 grams of suspected shabu seized
Authorities reported recovering three sachets and one knot-tied plastic sachet containing a substance suspected to be shabu. The seized substance had a combined reported weight of 70.13 grams, with authorities placing its estimated value at ₱476,884.
Police also recovered the ₱1,000 buy-bust money allegedly used during the operation.
Other items reportedly seized included a light-green backpack, an Infinix mobile phone, a laminated identification card, a Rusi 150 motorcycle, its key, and a black helmet.
The operation was conducted as part of the police campaign against the distribution and trafficking of illegal drugs in Bukidnon.
Suspect remains in police custody
Following his arrest, Berto was placed under the custody of the Kalilangan Municipal Police Station for appropriate legal proceedings.
The suspected illegal drugs will undergo laboratory examination to determine their actual composition. The reported weight and value therefore remain subject to confirmation through the proper forensic and legal processes.
Authorities are expected to prepare the appropriate charges based on the evidence gathered during the operation and the results of the examination.
Police urge public cooperation
Police Regional Office 10 Director PBGen Nestor C. Babagay Jr. reiterated the police force’s continuing campaign against illegal drugs and called on the public to cooperate with law enforcement authorities.
He urged residents to immediately report suspicious activities that may be connected to the illegal drug trade, stressing the importance of community cooperation in preventing the distribution of illegal drugs.
The operation highlights the continued use of intelligence-driven and coordinated law enforcement efforts by police units and their partner forces in addressing the illegal drug problem in Northern Mindanao.
The arrested suspect remains entitled to due process, and any criminal liability will ultimately be determined through the appropriate judicial proceedings.