A 40-year-old male listed as a High-Value Individual (HVI) in the illegal drug watchlist was arrested in a joint police operation after the implemented a search warrant in Barangay Pating, Masbate City, at around 5:20 PM on September 16, 2025.
The operation was spearheaded by the Masbate City Police Station as the lead unit, in coordination with the Provincial Intelligence Unit–Provincial Police Drug Enforcement Unit, the Masbate Maritime Police Station, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office V. The search was conducted by virtue of a warrant issued by Branch 47, Fifth Judicial Region, Masbate City.
During the search, the operating team confiscated six (6) large heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu weighing more or less 222 grams, with an estimated standard drug price of P1,509,600.00. The seized illegal drugs were documented on-site and subjected to proper chain-of-custody procedures.
The arrested suspect, identified by the alias “Alex”, is a resident of Masbate City. He has long been under police monitoring due to his reported involvement in the illegal drug trade. He is now facing criminal charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and is presently detained at the Masbate City Police Station.
PBGEN NESTOR C BABAGAY JR, RD, PRO 5 commended the operatives for the successful implementation of the search warrant, stressing that this accomplishment demonstrates the government’s unwavering stance in the war against illegal drugs.
“This operation is a clear proof that our fight against illegal drugs is relentless and continuing. We will not allow these illicit substances to destroy lives and communities. With our strong collaboration with PDEA and other law enforcement units, we will ensure that drug personalities are brought to justice,” PBGEN Babagay Jr., said.
Moreover, follow-up investigations are now underway to trace the suspect’s possible cohorts and the source of the confiscated drugs. The unit also assures the public that operations of this scale will continue as part of the intensified anti-illegal drug campaign of the PNP and PDEA in the Bicol Region.###
Source: PNP Kasurog Bicol