BALINGASAG, Misamis Oriental — Police arrested two alleged drug personalities and seized 42.95 grams of suspected shabu valued at ₱292,060 during a buy-bust operation in Sitio Calatrava, Barangay Cogon, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, on October 23, 2026.
The arrested suspects were identified only by their aliases, “Lyca,” 30, a resident of Sitio Calatrava, Barangay Cogon, and “Pol,” 31, a resident of Barangay 6, both in Balingasag.
The operation was conducted by personnel of the Balingasag Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the 1001st Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 and the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office, with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) coordinating the operation.
Aside from the suspected illegal drugs, authorities recovered the buy-bust money and drug paraphernalia believed to be connected to the alleged drug activity.
Police took the two suspects into custody for documentation and the preparation of appropriate charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The arrests form part of local law enforcement efforts to suppress the distribution of illegal drugs in Misamis Oriental. However, the allegations against the suspects remain subject to judicial proceedings, and the seized substance must undergo the appropriate examination as part of the investigation.
Police Regional Office 10 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Nestor C. Babagay Jr. urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to authorities, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in protecting neighborhoods from illegal drugs.
Authorities have yet to provide further details on the suspects’ alleged roles in the illegal drug trade or whether the investigation has identified other individuals who may be involved.
The suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.