Citizen’s Tip Leads to Arrest of 3 Men in Tacloban Drug Operation

Posted on October 23, 2026 at 07:34 PM

Tacloban City — A tip from a concerned citizen led police to an alleged drug-use session inside an abandoned makeshift house in Barangay 36, Sabang, Tacloban City, where three men were arrested and suspected shabu and two firearms were seized on October 23.

Police Station 2 said its personnel were following up on reported theft incidents when they received information about the alleged drug activity in the barangay.

Officers went to the area at around 3:40 p.m. and reportedly found three men allegedly using suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu.

The suspects were arrested and identified in the initial police report as alias Greg, alias Don and alias Ver, all residents of Tacloban City.

PMSg Jerry Tamayo, the investigator-on-case, said police recovered two plastic sachets containing about six grams of suspected shabu from alias Greg. The seized substance was valued at P40,800 based on the Dangerous Drugs Board’s estimate.

Police also reported recovering an improvised firearm locally known as a “pingun” from alias Don and an Armscor 9mm pistol without a serial number from alias Ver.

Officers found drug paraphernalia, including aluminum foil containing suspected drug residue, at the scene.

The operation was conducted by Police Station 2 personnel, including PMSg Nolly Marcellana, PSSg Martin Alexander Ordovez, PSSg Alfred Homerez and PSSg Farrel Tabao, under the supervision of PMAJ Senna S. Layog, chief of the station.

The three men were brought to the police station for documentation and further investigation.

Police are preparing complaints for alleged violations of Sections 11, 12 and 15 of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Authorities are also evaluating possible charges under Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, in connection with the recovered firearms.

The complaints are expected to undergo inquest proceedings, subject to the prosecutor’s evaluation.

Police said the suspected drugs still need laboratory examination, while the firearms are undergoing further verification.

The arrest followed information from a resident, but the initial police report did not specify how the tip was relayed or what steps were taken to verify it before officers went to the area. Details on measures to protect the informant’s identity were also not provided.

For residents who witness or have information about suspected criminal activity, reporting it to authorities can help police respond. Police should also take steps to protect informants from possible risks, particularly in cases involving alleged illegal drug activities.

The three men are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Photos by: Alfadz Jussil Prado