SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands — A public school principal was among five individuals arrested in a joint anti-illegal drug operation in Barangay Don Ruben, San Jose, Dinagat Islands, early Saturday, October 31, raising serious concerns over the alleged involvement of a government educator in illegal drug activities.
Police identified the principal only through the alias “Wel,” 56, who was classified by authorities as a High-Value Individual (HVI). The suspect was identified in police reports as the principal of Doña Helen Elementary School.
The operation was carried out at around 12:45 a.m. in Purok 5, Barangay Don Ruben and was reportedly conducted at the residence of alias “Wel,” where authorities said the five suspects were apprehended.
Also arrested were alias “JB,” 26, a driver; alias “Dodo,” 48, a carpenter; alias “Yan-Yan,” 28, who was described as self-employed; and alias “Tata,” 37. Police classified the four other suspects as street-level individuals allegedly involved in illegal drug activities.
The joint buy-bust operation involved personnel from the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit 13 (RDEU13), Regional Intelligence Division 13 (RID13), Provincial Intelligence Unit, San Jose Municipal Police Station, and other police personnel, with coordination from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
Authorities said they recovered eight sachets containing suspected shabu, including one sachet allegedly used as the buy-bust item. The confiscated suspected illegal drugs reportedly had a total gross weight of approximately 1.5 grams, including packaging materials and masking tape, with an estimated standard drug price value of ₱10,000.
Police also recovered alleged buy-bust money consisting of one genuine ₱1,000 bill and one ₱500 bill, as well as a blue disposable lighter, two pairs of scissors, a brown coin purse and two strips of aluminum foil.
The alleged involvement of a school principal has placed particular attention on the case, given the responsibility of school administrators in safeguarding students and helping maintain drug-free learning environments. However, authorities have not yet released information indicating whether the alleged activities had any direct connection to the school where the suspect serves or whether any students or school personnel were involved.
The Dinagat Islands Police Provincial Office said the operation forms part of intensified efforts to suppress illegal drug activities in the province.
“Our police force remains steadfast and firm in its commitment to combating illegal drugs and enforcing the law. We will not allow any activity that endangers public safety and undermines the well-being of our communities, particularly our youth,” said Police Colonel Glenn C. Sampaga, provincial director of the Dinagat Islands Police Provincial Office.
Sampaga said intensified law enforcement operations, strengthened coordination among government agencies and active community engagement remain central to efforts to maintain peace, order and security throughout Dinagat Islands.
The five arrested individuals and the confiscated evidence are now under the custody of RDEU13 for documentation and further legal proceedings.
Police said the suspects were informed of their constitutional rights under the Miranda Warning and the Anti-Torture Law.
The arrests remain allegations subject to judicial proceedings. All five individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of law.