BY DAVE SUAN ALBARADO
Police authorities at Camp Dagohoy arrested a high-value individual (HVI) and confiscated approximately 1,600 grams of suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) with an estimated street value of P10.88 million during a buy-bust operation in Tagbilaran City Friday afternoon.
The operation was conducted at 3:18 p.m. at Purok-4, Barangay Taloto, Tagbilaran City by the City Drug Enforcement Team (CDET) led by PMSg Proceso A. Paragoso Jr. under the direct supervision of PLTCOL John Kareen Oliveros Escober, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
The suspect has been identified as Jobert Hingpit y Baluca, also known as “Bolo,” a 31-year-old married man employed as a cook at a Tagbilaran-based restaurant. He is a native of Santa Cruz, Batuan, Bohol, and currently resides at Tamblot Extension, Brgy. Cogon, Tagbilaran City.
Authorities recovered three large heat-sealed transparent plastic packs and one large heat-sealed plastic sachet containing suspected shabu with a combined weight of approximately 1,600 grams valued at P10.88 million based on the Standard Drug Price (SDP).
Hingpit will be charged with violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
“This success is the result of close collaboration between the police, PDEA, and community support,” said PCOL Arnel Banzon, Provincial Director of Bohol PPO. “The Bohol PNP will continue its campaign against illegal drugs to protect the future of our youth and maintain peace in the community. We call on the public to continue supporting and reporting any drug-related activities.”
PLTCOL Norman Nuez, spokesperson for Bohol PPO, added, “The arrested individual is a high-value target who has been under police surveillance for some time. This operation proves that there is no place for illegal drugs in Bohol. We encourage the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement for a safer and more peaceful community.”
Friday’s operation is the latest in a series of big-time drug busts in the province, which has seen an intensified campaign against illegal drugs in recent years.
In November 2024, authorities seized P7.072 million worth of shabu in Tagbilaran City, leading to the arrest of high-value target Francis Abellanosa.
Earlier in the year, a buy-bust operation in Panglao resulted in the confiscation of P20.4 million worth of shabu from a single suspect, marking one of the largest drug seizures in the province.
Last September, the Bohol Police Provincial Office reported seizing P8.4 million worth of shabu during a week-long operation that resulted in the confiscation of 1,241.97 grams of shabu and the arrest of 17 drug personalities across the province.
In June 2024, police confiscated P1.46 million worth of shabu from a drug suspect in Barangay San Isidro, Tagbilaran City, further demonstrating the authorities’ commitment to eradicating drug trafficking in Central Visayas.
The latest arrest follows a series of successful anti-drug operations in the province.
From March 24 to March 30, 2025, the Bohol Provincial Police Office under Provincial Director PCol. Arnel Banzon seized illegal drugs worth P643,416 across 28 operations throughout the province. These operations resulted in the arrest of 28 suspects and the confiscation of 61.22 grams of shabu.
Just a day before the Tagbilaran operation, on April 3, 2025, authorities apprehended a Regional Top Priority Target in Maribojoc, Bohol.
The early morning raid conducted at 1:35 a.m. in Purok SV Proper, Barangay San Vicente, resulted in the seizure of approximately 110 grams of suspected shabu valued at P748,000.
The operation was carried out by the Provincial Intelligence Unit – Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PIU–PDEU) led by PLTCOL Joemar S. Pomarejos, in coordination with the Maribojoc Municipal Police Station and PDEA-Bohol.
The suspect in the Maribojoc operation was identified as a 31-year-old male native of Purok-4, Barangay Dampas, Tagbilaran City.
Authorities continue to intensify their anti-drug campaign throughout the province. During the same period in late March, the Bohol PPO also conducted four anti-illegal gambling operations resulting in four arrests and the confiscation of P910.
Moreover, 33 unlicensed firearms were seized, leading to the arrest of four suspects, while 34 firearms were deposited, surrendered, or confiscated in Bohol.
Law enforcement officials have repeatedly stressed the importance of community cooperation in their anti-drug efforts.
“This success proves that the Bohol police are serious about curbing all forms of illegal drugs. We will not compromise,” stated PCOL Banzon following the Maribojoc operation. “We ask the public to continue their support and cooperation for a safer community.”
The police are urging Boholanos not to hesitate in reporting drug-related activities to help maintain peace and order in the province.