TACLOBAN CITY (October 15, 2025) – Five individuals, including two high-value targets and a couple, were arrested in separate anti-drug operations across Eastern Visayas over the weekend, with authorities seizing more than ₱500,000 worth of suspected shabu, police said Monday.
According to the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), at least 81 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride were confiscated during a series of buy-busts carried out between October 13 and 14 in Leyte, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Tacloban City.
The biggest haul came from a sting operation in Brgy. 97 Cabalawan, Tacloban City, where police arrested a 41-year-old man identified as alias “Bebot,” a high-value individual. Authorities recovered 12 sachets of suspected shabu weighing about 50 grams.
In San Isidro, Northern Samar, police nabbed “Jane,” 31, who ranks No. 10 on the Regional Priority Target List. She was caught with 15 sachets of suspected shabu weighing around 3 grams in Brgy. Happy Valley.
Earlier that day in Brgy. Tutug-a, Barugo, Leyte, a 31-year-old man known as “Gil” was arrested with four sachets of the illegal drug. Later that night, a couple from Jipapad, Eastern Samar — “Boy,” 54, and “Bayeng,” 50 — were arrested in Brgy. Lalawigan, Borongan City with about 3.17 grams of shabu.
The final arrest took place just after 2 a.m. on October 14 in Brgy. Poblacion Del Sur, Villaba, Leyte, where “Drew,” 39, also considered a high-value target, was caught with five sachets of suspected shabu weighing 25 grams.
All suspects are facing charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Regional police chief PBGen Jason L. Capoy credited the success of the operations to coordination between local police units, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and the community.
“These arrests are the result of sustained intelligence work and collaboration. We remain committed to stopping the spread of illegal drugs in Eastern Visayas,” Capoy said in a statement.
Authorities say more operations are underway as part of the region-wide intensified campaign against narcotics. (With Ricky Bautista)
