Law enforcement agencies seized more than P14.6 million worth of suspected shabu in three separate operations across Bohol province this week, arresting five individuals including several high-value targets in what authorities described as a notable blow to Bohol drug trafficking networks.
The largest seizure occurred during the early morning hours of Thursday in Barangay Songculan, Dauis, where a coordinated sting operation by multiple law enforcement units netted P13.8 million worth of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride.
Two fishermen from Calape — Jose Ever Dalogdog, alias “Ever,” 39, married, of Purok-3, Barangay Mantatao, and Bebiano Oribia, 38, single, of Purok-2, Barangay Mantatao — were arrested after arriving by pumpboat at the Riverside area of Barangay Songculan. Both suspects are considered high-value individuals by authorities.
The joint operation involved personnel from the Provincial Intelligence Unit, Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit of the Bohol Provincial Police Office, Dauis Municipal Police Station, and PDEA-Bohol. Law enforcement officers had been trailing the suspects from Calape before they made landfall at the operation site.
During the buy-bust operation, police purchased one package of suspected shabu worth P20,000 from the suspects.
A subsequent search yielded 14 additional large packages of suspected illegal drugs from their possession, bringing the total weight to approximately 2.3 kilograms with a standard drug price value of P13,804,000.
The suspects allegedly told investigators during interrogation that the drugs originated from Basak Pardo, Cebu, and that they received P20,000 plus four packages of contraband per trip for their courier services. The operation was witnessed by barangay officials and members of the media.
In a separate operation on Friday afternoon, Tagbilaran City police arrested another high-value individual during a buy-bust operation in Purok 3, Upper Canda-it, Barangay Dampas at 3:23 p.m.
The operation, conducted as part of “Oplan LIMPYO Tagbilaran,” was led by the Drug Enforcement Team of Tagbilaran City Police Station under the supervision of Police Lt. Col. John Kareen Oliveros Escober, station commander. The operation was coordinated with PDEA under Coordination Number 20002-072025-0343 and initiated based on Target Intelligence Packet Control No. A01-2025.
Police seized approximately 55 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated market value of P374,000, along with other non-drug items that authorities said would strengthen the case against the suspect. The identity of the arrested individual was not immediately released.
A third operation in Barangay Cogon, Tagbilaran City, resulted in the arrest of Julius Ralph Tinio, alias “JR,” 41, married, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Anda.
PDEA agents seized approximately 60 grams of suspected shabu with a standard drug price value of P480,000 from the suspect’s possession.
All suspects face charges for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, specifically for illegal possession and sale of dangerous drugs. The cases are being prepared for filing with the prosecutor’s office.
The operations represent a continuation of intensified anti-drug campaigns across the province, with authorities emphasizing the importance of community cooperation and inter-agency coordination in combating illegal narcotics trafficking.
“There is no place for drugs in Tagbilaran City. Through Oplan LIMPYO and support from our LGU, we will continue relentless operations to preserve peace and order,” Escober said in a statement.
The Tagbilaran City Police Station expressed gratitude for community support and partnership with stakeholders in the ongoing campaign. Officials encouraged residents to report any information regarding drug activities or crimes to authorities, assuring confidentiality for informants.
The arrests come amid heightened law enforcement focus on dismantling drug trafficking networks operating between Cebu and Bohol, with authorities noting the strategic importance of disrupting maritime drug smuggling routes in Central Visayas.
Mayor Jane C. Yap of Tagbilaran City has provided strong support for the anti-drug operations, according to police officials, strengthening inter-agency coordination and community-based approaches to addressing drug-related crimes.
The seized drugs will undergo laboratory examination to confirm their composition and purity levels, while the arrested suspects remain in police custody pending the filing of formal charges.