HVI Among 5 Arrested in Anti-Illegal Drug Operations in Tacloban

Posted on Feb. 19, 2026 at 12:03 pm

TACLOBAN CITY — Two separate anti-drug operations were carried out on February 17 in Barangay 91, Abucay, Tacloban City, resulting in the apprehension of a high-value individual (HVI) and the dismantling of an alleged drug den, with four other suspects taken into custody.

The Tacloban City Police Office – City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) arrested an individual known as “Juan,” 29, a Maxim delivery rider and resident of Barangay 110, Utap, during a buy-bust operation at a motel along Bypass Road around 9:40 p.m.

A poseur-buyer bought suspected shabu worth P3,500, leading to `Juan’s’ arrest. A subsequent body search, witnessed by a barangay official and media representative, uncovered nine sachets of suspected shabu weighing about 45 grams, valued at around P306,000.

Additionally, a black coin purse, marked buy-bust money, a Honda Beat motorcycle, and its key were confiscated. Juan is ranked No. 8 on the regional priority target list and had a previous drug-related arrest in 2024. He is now facing charges for violations of Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165.

The operation was conducted by the City Drug Enforcement Unit, Deputy Chief Alberto R. Canonigo Jr., under the supervision of acting chief Sheila Rea Dagami, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 8.

Earlier on the same day at 5:25 p.m., a joint operation led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Eastern Samar Provincial Office, along with the Regional Special Enforcement Team, PDEA Tacloban City Office, and Tacloban City Police Station 2, dismantled an alleged drug den in the same barangay.

Recovered during the operation were six sachets of suspected shabu weighing approximately 8.11 grams with an estimated value of over P55,000, along with drug paraphernalia and buy-bust money.

Arrested individuals included “Ando,” 52, a welder and alleged maintainer of the drug den, “Pedro,” 28, a contractor and alleged co-maintainer, as well as a city government utility worker and a 21-year-old parking attendant listed as visitors.

The suspects are facing charges for violations of various sections of Republic Act 9165 and are currently detained at the PDEA lock-up facility.

Law enforcement agencies emphasized that these operations demonstrate their intensified efforts against illegal drugs, particularly targeting high-value individuals and drug dens to prevent the resurgence of illegal drug activities in communities.

(Photo by: Ronnie Yanuario)