BUTUAN CITY, Philippines — Police arrested three suspected drug personalities, including two individuals classified as high-value individuals (HVIs), and seized approximately 66.72 grams of suspected shabu valued at ₱453,696 during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Ambago, Butuan City, on October 25, 2026.
The operation was conducted in Purok 3, Ambangan, as part of the intensified anti-illegal drug campaign of the Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13), also known as Police Regional Office Caraga, according to a police report released on October 25.
Police identified the arrested individuals by their aliases: “Master,” 47, and “Ata,” 54, both classified as high-value individuals, and “Rey,” 61, classified as a street-level individual (SLI). All three are residents of Barangay Ambago, Butuan City.
Authorities said Master resides in Purok 3, Ambangan; Ata in Purok 2, Suatan; and Rey in Purok 8C.
The operation involved personnel from the Regional Intelligence Division 13, Regional Drug Enforcement Unit 13, the City Intelligence Unit of the Butuan City Police Office, and the Drug Enforcement Unit of Butuan City Police Station 3. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 13 coordinated with the police during the operation.
Suspected shabu, drug paraphernalia confiscated
Police reported confiscating several plastic sachets containing suspected shabu weighing approximately 66.72 grams, along with other drug paraphernalia. The seized substances were assigned a standard drug price of ₱453,696.
The reported valuation represents the authorities’ standard drug pricing estimate. The police report did not provide a detailed inventory of the individual items seized or specify whether additional evidence was recovered.
The three arrested individuals were brought into the custody of Butuan City Police Station 3 for documentation, further investigation, and the preparation and filing of appropriate charges.
Police said the suspects would face complaints for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Their arrest does not, by itself, establish guilt. Any criminal liability will have to be determined through the appropriate legal proceedings.
PRO 13 vows to intensify anti-drug operations
Police Regional Office 13 Director Brig. Gen. Rolindo M. Suguilon said the operation demonstrated the police force’s continued efforts to pursue individuals suspected of involvement in the illegal drug trade.
“This operation serves as a stern warning to those involved in the illegal drug trade: you cannot evade the long arm of the law,” Suguilon said.
He added that the police force in Caraga would continue intensifying anti-illegal drug operations to bring alleged offenders before the justice system.
The latest operation adds to the region’s ongoing enforcement efforts against the illegal drug trade. However, the police announcement did not provide further information on the suspects’ alleged roles in the drug trade, the origin of the seized substances, or whether investigators believe the operation is connected to a wider distribution network.
The case will now proceed through the appropriate investigative and judicial processes, where the allegations against the arrested individuals must be established in accordance with the law.
The suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a competent court.