Philippine police in Bohol province seized illegal drugs worth PhP226.7 million pesos in several operations in 2025 and early 2026, arresting nearly 1,000 suspects including high-value drug personalities as authorities ramped up security measures ahead of the ASEAN Summit 2026, officials said on Friday.
The Bohol Provincial Police Office conducted 885 anti-drug operations throughout 2025, resulting in the arrest of 944 suspects and the seizure of 32,704 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride, known locally as shabu, and 608.20 grams of marijuana with a total estimated value of PhP222.5 million pesos, Police Major Joseph Lopena told a joint meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council.
Lopena, deputy chief of the Operations Section at BPPO, presented the comprehensive operational report on behalf of Provincial Director Police Colonel Patricio Degay Jr. during the meeting led by Governor Aris Aumentado.
Among the high-impact 2025 operations was a Dec. 14 buy-bust in Tagbilaran City that yielded 3,040 grams of shabu worth more than P20.6 million pesos, and a Feb. 23 operation in Panglao municipality targeting a Regional Top Priority High-Value Individual that recovered 3,000 grams of shabu valued at P20.4 million pesos, according to the report.
As ASEAN Summit 2026 security preparations intensified, police conducted two major operations that added P4.25 million pesos worth of seized methamphetamine to the total haul.
On Friday at approximately 1:15 a.m., operatives from the BPPO’s Provincial Intelligence Unit and Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit arrested Karl Alegre, alias “Dongkoy,” described as a top-priority drug personality, in Songculan, Dauis municipality.
Authorities recovered 550 grams of suspected methamphetamine with an estimated street value of PhP3.74 million pesos.
The operation was led by Police Lieutenant Noubell Padernal under the supervision of Police Lieutenant Colonel Joemar Pomarejos, unit chief, in coordination with the Dauis Police. Provincial Director Degay directed the operation.
A day earlier on Saturday afternoon at approximately 5:32 p.m., police arrested two high-value individuals in Barangay Canapnapan, Corella municipality.
The buy-bust operation detained Denoberto Fuentes, alias “Deno,” 33, a farmer from Barangay San Vicente, Trinidad, and Jerome Polestico, alias “Rompols,” 35, a construction worker from Barangay San Agustin, Talibon.
Officers recovered approximately 75.6 grams of suspected methamphetamine valued at PhP514,080 pesos, buy-bust money, a cellphone, a black belt bag, a black Euro motorcycle with plate number GD 28970, and a caliber .45 pistol with a magazine containing three live rounds.
The operation was led by the Provincial Intelligence Unit and Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit under Pomarejos’ supervision, with coordination from the Corella Municipal Police Station. Police Lieutenant Dave Surio served as assistant team leader.
Police records show Fuentes was previously arrested in 2014 for double murder and frustrated murder in Trinidad and was released in 2024 after serving 10 years at New Bilibid Prison.
Polestico was arrested in 2020 for a drug-related case in General Trias, Cavite, and was released in 2024 after serving four years.
Authorities said the two suspects allegedly continued illegal drug activities after their release and were linked to armed intimidation of distributors.
Police said their drug supply was reportedly traced to Alegre, and their operations spanned several areas in Bohol.
The suspects face charges for violations of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and gun ban violations in connection with the ASEAN Summit 2026.
Beyond anti-narcotics efforts, the BPPO also intensified its campaign against loose firearms, processing 661 weapons through surrender, recovery and confiscation in 655 operations that resulted in the arrest of 162 suspects throughout 2025.
In operations targeting wanted persons, police conducted 769 operations that led to the apprehension of 774 wanted individuals, including 301 Most Wanted Persons and 473 other wanted persons facing charges including murder and frustrated murder.
Meanwhile, 390 operations against illegal gambling resulted in the arrest of 704 suspects and the seizure of P75,007 pesos in bet money for violations of laws against illegal cockfighting and illegal numbers games.
“The operation underscores the BPPO’s intensified anti-illegal drug campaign and commitment to public safety,” Degay said, noting the arrests are part of intensified anti-illegal drug and anti-criminality operations aimed at ensuring public safety and order during ASEAN events in Bohol.
Aumentado pledged continued cooperation among police, local government and the community to maintain peace and order in the province and reiterated his support for the police department’s ongoing anti-criminality efforts.
In a separate development, the Loon Municipal Police Station in Bohol province was named the Best Municipal Police Station in the Class B Category for calendar year 2026 during the Philippine National Police Day Celebration on Wednesday at Camp Rafael T. Crame in Quezon City.
The national recognition was formally conferred on Police Captain Thomas Zen Cheung, chief of police of Loon Municipal Police Station. Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto, PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. and Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla presented the award.
The award recognizes the Loon police department’s excellence, discipline and professionalism across all areas of police service, distinguishing the station as a national benchmark for effective, responsive and quality policing within its category.
The achievement was credited to the leadership and guidance of Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, regional director, and Degay, whose strategic direction and support have fostered operational excellence and high professional standards within the organization.
The Local Government Unit of Loon, led by Mayor Pedro Literatus Jr., and the active cooperation of the local community were also instrumental to the police station’s success.
The partnership has been vital in strengthening crime prevention efforts, implementing police programs and sustaining peace, order and public safety in the municipality, officials said.