Police operatives in Antique arrested a regional top priority high-value individual (HVI) during a joint anti-drug operation in Barangay 8, San Jose, on May 24, 2026, seizing over P1.8 million worth of shabu, a firearm, ammunition, and a hand grenade.
Operation Details
The suspect, alias Nonoy, 49, was arrested at 1:39 p.m. after the implementation of three search warrants for violations of Republic Act (RA) 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act), RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act), and RA 9516 (Illegal Possession of Explosives). The operation was conducted by the San Jose Municipal Police Station, Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit of the Antique Police Provincial Office, 1st Antique Provincial Mobile Force Company, Antique Police Provincial Office-Provincial Intelligence Unit, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency–Antique Provincial Office.
Seized Items
Authorities confiscated approximately 270 grams of shabu valued at P1,836,000, assorted drug paraphernalia, one .38 caliber revolver loaded with five live ammunition, 13 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, one hand grenade, packaging materials, and personal belongings linked to illegal drug activities.
Official Statement
Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño, acting regional director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), praised the operating units. He said the successful execution of three search warrants and the arrest of a regional top priority HVI demonstrate the intensified campaign against illegal drugs and serious criminality. Tuaño added that PRO 6 remains committed to conducting operations with professionalism, transparency, and respect for human rights.
Suspect's Background
Authorities revealed that Nonoy had previously faced illegal drug charges and was convicted by the Regional Trial Court, but the decision was reversed by the Court of Appeals. After his release, he allegedly resumed illegal drug activities, prompting over a year of intelligence monitoring, surveillance, and case build-up supported by community information.
The suspect is currently under police custody and will face charges for violations of RA 9165, RA 10591, and RA 9516.
