Joint operations by the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency led to the arrest of three high-value individuals and the seizure of illegal drugs worth P14.1 million in separate buy-bust operations in Tacloban City and Palo.
In Tacloban City, operatives conducted a buy-bust operation at around 2:23 a.m. on May 5 in Barangay 94, Tigbao, resulting in the arrest of two suspects. Authorities recovered about 1,055 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated value of P7.17 million.
The operation was led by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 8 (RPDEU 8) in coordination with PDEA Region 8, the Tacloban City Police Office, and other intelligence and enforcement units.
Earlier, at around 11:27 p.m. on May 4, another buy-bust operation was carried out in Barangay San Jose, Palo, Leyte, leading to the arrest of another high-value suspect and the seizure of approximately 1,025 grams of suspected shabu worth P6.97 million.
The Palo operation involved the Municipal Police Station, Provincial Intelligence Unit, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, with support from RPDEU 8 and the PDEA Leyte Provincial Office.
Police officials said the operations form part of ongoing efforts to dismantle drug networks by targeting key figures in the illegal drug trade.
PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. reiterated the organization’s commitment to sustained enforcement, stressing that authorities will continue to pursue individuals involved in illegal drugs.
“We will continue to dismantle drug networks by targeting high-value individuals who sustain the illegal drug trade and threaten community safety,” he said.
He also emphasized the role of police personnel on the ground, noting that their efforts reflect discipline and resolve in maintaining peace and order.
The PNP said the operations are part of its broader strategy to strengthen law enforcement and respond to evolving threats, in line with the administration’s directive to intensify the fight against illegal drugs and criminality nationwide.