A motorcycle-for-hire driver was arrested in a buy-bust operation

Posted on August 2, 2026 at 5:08 am

Tagapul-an, Samar — A 30-year-old habal-habal driver identified by authorities as a Street Level Individual (SLI) was arrested during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Baquiw, Tagapul-an, Samar, on Wednesday night, July 29, 2026.

The suspect, identified only by the alias “Ancit,” is married and a resident of Barangay Baquiw, Tagapul-an. He was apprehended at around 10:39 p.m. following an anti-illegal drug operation conducted by local authorities.

According to police, the operation was conducted by the Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) of the Tagapul-an Municipal Police Station (MPS) as the lead unit, in coordination with the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 8 (PDEA RO-8).

Authorities said the suspect was arrested after a designated police poseur-buyer allegedly purchased one sachet of suspected shabu worth ₱500, which served as the buy-bust money. Two additional sachets of suspected shabu were also allegedly recovered from the suspect during the operation.

The operation was led by PLT Christopher M. Prudenciado of the Tagapul-an MPS, together with PLT Joel S. Verzosa of the PDEU, under the supervision of PMaj. Juan Carlos S. Recluta, Officer-in-Charge of the PDEU, and under the leadership of PCOL Arwin M. Tadeo, Provincial Director of the Samar Police Provincial Office.

The suspect is currently under the custody of the Tagapul-an MPS and is facing charges for alleged violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

As with all criminal cases, the suspect is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Photos by: Let Teña