MALALAG, Davao del Sur — Police arrested a suspected high-value individual (HVI) and seized approximately 65 grams of suspected shabu worth ₱442,000, along with a .45-caliber pistol and ammunition, during an anti-illegal drug operation in Barangay Baybay, Malalag, on October 28, 2026.
The arrested suspect, identified only by the alias “Madam,” was apprehended during an operation led by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 11 (RPDEU 11), in coordination with the Malalag Municipal Police Station, Davao del Sur MARPSTA RMU 11, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 11.
Police said the operation was led by PCPT Marc Jaeson Kristoffer O. Culaste under the direct supervision of PLTCOL Maynard D. Pascual, chief of RPDEU 11. The participating Malalag police unit was under the leadership of PMAJ Ambrocio A. Maceda, while the Davao del Sur MARPSTA RMU 11 was headed by PMAJ Jeric C. Miraña.
Aside from the suspected shabu, operating personnel recovered a .45-caliber pistol bearing serial number 305447, one magazine assembly, and five live rounds of ammunition.
Other items seized during the operation included marked money, boodle money used in the transaction, a cellular phone, a vehicle, bags, a weighing scale, a lighter, the suspect’s driver’s license, and ₱1,500 in cash.
The seizure of a firearm and live ammunition alongside the suspected illegal drugs adds another dimension to the operation, highlighting the importance of addressing potential security risks associated with the illegal drug trade.
PRO 11 Acting Regional Director PBGEN Benigno L. Guzman said the regional police office would continue strengthening focused and intelligence-driven operations against illegal drugs and pursuing individuals involved in the illegal drug trade.
He said the campaign supports the directives of Philippine National Police Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. under the PNP’s guiding mantra, “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.”
PRO 11 said its continuing anti-drug campaign focuses on crime prevention, crime solution, community engagement, capability development, collaboration, and good governance.
The operation forms part of the regional police office’s broader effort to curb illegal drug activities and strengthen public safety across the Davao Region.