A high-value individual (HVI) identified as Judy Tongco, 30, a resident of Clarin, Bohol, was arrested in an anti-illegal drug buy-bust operation conducted by operatives of the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) – Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) on Tuesday night, February 12, 2025.
The suspect is residing in barangay Cogon, Tagbilaran City.
Authorities apprehended Tongco at 9:24 p.m. in Purok 3, Barangay Upper De La Paz, Cortes.
The operation was led by PLT Noubell L. Padernal, assistant chief of PDEU, under the supervision of PLTCOL Joemar S. Pomarejos, chief of PIU/PDEU, with support from the Cortes Municipal Police Station (MPS), Regional Intelligence Unit 7 – Police Intelligence Team (RIU7-PIT), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Tongco, identified as a hauler residing in Purok 7, Sitio Tuog, Danahaw, Clarin, was found in possession of approximately one kilogram of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price (SDP) of PHP6.8 million.
Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) Provincial Director PCOL Arnel Banzon lauded the efforts of law enforcement agencies in the successful operation.
“This accomplishment demonstrates our commitment to curbing the proliferation of illegal drugs in our province. We will continue working together for a safer and more peaceful community,” Banzon said in a statement.
BPPO spokesperson PLTCOL Norman Nuez cited the vital role of community cooperation in anti-drug efforts.
“Information from the public greatly aids our operations. Every resident plays a part in ensuring the safety of our communities,” Nuez said.
OTHER ARRESTS
Alburquerque: A drug suspect identified as Ryan Pacaldo, 41, of Barangay Sta. Filomena, was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Eastern Poblacion on February 11, 2025.
Police said Pacaldo was allegedly involved in illegal drug activities, prompting the operation.
A poseur buyer completed the transaction with Pacaldo, leading to his immediate arrest.
Seized from him were four sachets of suspected shabu, weighing approximately 0.40 grams and valued at PHP2,720. He is facing charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Duero: Authorities arrested Benjie Olano of Barangay Guinsularan, Danao, in a sting operation in Barangay Dao on February 10, 2025. The suspect was reportedly involved in the drug trade.
Barangay officials and media representatives witnessed the operation, which led to Olano’s arrest after selling drugs to a poseur buyer.
Police confiscated five sachets of suspected shabu weighing about 25 grams and valued at PHP170,000. The suspect is in custody and will be charged accordingly.
Corella: A job order (JO) worker assigned to the Municipal Agriculture Office in Corella was arrested in a buy-bust operation on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
The suspect, identified as Glen Lumaat, 37, of Barangay Tanday, was caught selling illegal drugs to an undercover officer in Barangay Poblacion.
Seized from him were three sachets of suspected shabu weighing two grams, with an estimated value of PHP13,600.
Lumaat is currently detained and will face charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.