The Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) has reported a large haul in its efforts to combat the illicit drug trade, seizing more than P8.4 million worth of alleged shabu in just one week.
According to the BPPO’s accomplishment report, which covers the period from August 19 to 25, the Bohol police forces conducted 16 anti-illegal drug operations, resulting in the arrest of 17 drug personalities and the seizure of 1,241.97 grams of alleged shabu.
In addition to the anti-drug operations, police also conducted anti-illegal gambling operations, which led to the arrest of 20 suspects and the confiscation of P1,814 in alleged bet money.
Bohol police also took into custody 29 alleged loose firearms and 17 rounds of live ammunition.
Meanwhile, 26 wanted persons were arrested during the same period as part of the Tracker operations of the police operating across Bohol.
In a separate operation, a 17-year-old boy from Ubay, Bohol was caught with P13.6 million worth of suspected shabu during a drug sting in Sitio Aroma, Brgy. Subangdaku, Mandaue City, Cebu on Friday afternoon, September 6.
A drug dealer from Talibon, Bohol, was also arrested in Cebu City on August 28 after a buy-bust operation led to the seizure of P20.4 million worth of shabu.
Danilo Avenido Cabungcag Jr., 37, was apprehended in Barangay Guadalupe by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU)-7 and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-7.
Cabungcag, who previously sold fried chicken and liempo, was allegedly lured into the drug trade by a friend from Bohol. He reportedly received P10,000 for each delivery, picking up packages at a local vulcanizing shop and receiving delivery instructions from an individual named Engie, whom he has never met.
Bohol PNP also reported the arrest of several other drug suspects, including Marcia Maupin, 40, of barangay Basdio, Guindulman who was arrested on September 4 after a sting operation.
Seized from the suspect were several packets of alleged shabu with an estimated weight of 0.9 grams and valued at P600.
In another operation, around P180,000 worth of alleged shabu was confiscated following a buy-bust operation in barangay Laya, Baclayon on August 30.
The City Drug Enforcement Unit of Tagbilaran also arrested a drug suspect in a separate operation in Tagbilaran City at Capitol Valley Road, barangay Dao.
The suspect, Reynelo Paolo Osio, 31, of barangay Ilaud, Inabanga, was arrested on August 30.
BPPO’s efforts to combat illegal drugs have also led to the declaration of 12 barangays in the province as drug-free by the Regional Oversight Committee (ROC).
The cleared barangays include four in President Carlos P. Garcia, three in Guindulman, two in Carmen, and one each in Buenavista, Corella, and Loay.
Meanwhile, the Bohol Police Provincial Office also received new buildings following the turnover and inauguration at Camp Dagohoy on September 1, 2024.
The new buildings include a four-storey PNP building and a two-storey officers’ quarters, built with a budget of P50 million and P20 million, respectively.
The construction of the new buildings was facilitated by former Senator and now Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, who allocated funds for the project in the aftermath of typhoon Odette.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was responsible for the construction of the buildings.
In a related development, a provincial board member has advised against using the Bohol Youth Home in Cortes town as a drug rehabilitation center, citing fears about mixing children with adult drug users.
Board Member Tomas Abapo, chair of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Peace and Order and Safety, has suggested establishing a separate facility to serve persons who use shabu.