CATBALOGAN CITY — Police stations across the province of Samar conducted a string of successful operations this week, from September 3 to 5, 2025, resulting in the arrest of several drug suspects, including one of the province’s most wanted persons. These coordinated actions reflect the intensified campaign of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and partner agencies against criminality in the province.
In Pagsanghan town, an 18-year-old street-level drug suspect, alias “Jai,” was arrested during a buy-bust operation on the night of September 5 in Barangay Libertad. The operation was led by P/Lt. Lindsey T. Ynalbis of the Pagsanghan Municipal Police Station – Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) under Maria Felina M. Bacha.
The suspect was caught selling suspected shabu to a poseur buyer. Seized from him were three sachets of suspected shabu, a cellphone, and a lighter. Charges for violation of Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are now being prepared. The seized substance will undergo laboratory examination.
“This operation should serve as a warning. We remain committed in our fight against illegal drugs,” P/Lt. Ynalbis said.
Earlier that same day in San Jorge, police arrested alias “Ben,” 59, the third most wanted person in Samar, during a manhunt operation in Poblacion 1. A farmer and resident of Barangay Lincoro, Ben was arrested by virtue of a warrant for statutory rape and acts of lasciviousness. No bail was recommended.
The warrant was issued by Judge Maricar Rubante Lucero of RTC Branch 41 in Gandara. The operation was led by P/Lt. John David R. Acob of San Jorge MPS.
“Our police continue to work hard to ensure justice is served, while always respecting human rights,” PLT Acob said.
Meanwhile, in Calbayog City, three individuals were caught in the act of using suspected shabu during a dawn operation on September 3 at the RFM public market in Barangay Bagacay. The Calbayog City Police Station – Station Drug Enforcement Team responded to a report from duty watchmen and arrived at the scene at around 5:43 AM.
Led by P/Capt. Alexander C. Alfonso and supervised by P/Lt. Col. Dinvir L. Revita, the team conducted searches and recovered drug paraphernalia. All procedures were witnessed by a public official and media representatives. The suspects were taken to the police station for documentation and drug testing.
“This operation reflects our dedication to fighting illegal drugs. We call on the public to stay vigilant and support our efforts,” Lt. Col. Revita said.
In a separate development, a 45-year-old man in Calbiga voluntarily surrendered a .38 caliber revolver with no serial number to the local police on September 5, as part of the “Balik Armas Program.” The program encourages responsible gun ownership and aims to reduce the presence of loose firearms in communities.
The surrender was facilitated by Calbiga MPS under P/Lt. Col. Norwyn E. Valenzuela, Officer-in-Charge. The firearm was turned over to the police supply officer for proper handling.
“This surrender is a clear sign of trust between the police and the community. We urge others to follow and help ensure the safety of all,” P/Lt. Col. Valenzuela said.
The series of operations demonstrates the strong coordination between local police units, partner agencies, and the public in maintaining peace and order across Samar.
