Police in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, have scored a major victory against illegal drugs, arresting three individuals and confiscating suspected shabu with a total street value exceeding P21.4 million in separate operations last Sunday, December 14, 2025.
Major Haul from Candle Vendors in Poblacion 1
The most significant apprehension occurred at 9:29 PM in Purok 8, Barangay Poblacion 1. Authorities collared two men identified only by their aliases: Alvin, 52, and Joey, 43. While Alvin is a native of Marikina City and Joey hails from Nueva Ecija, both were currently residing in Dauis, Bohol.
From the suspects, operatives recovered three large packs of suspected shabu. The drugs were concealed inside a green bag printed with "Win 99". The contraband weighed approximately 3,040 grams, with an estimated street value of a staggering P20.6 million.
Welder Arrested in Dampas Barangay
In an earlier operation the same day, at 3:45 PM in Purok 3, Barangay Dampas, police arrested a welder known as alias Johnny, 36, a resident of Ubay, Bohol. Confiscated from him were two packs of suspected shabu weighing around 129.9 grams, valued at P883,320.
Repeat Offender Targeted for Holiday Supply
According to Police Lieutenant Colonel John Kareen Escober, chief of the Tagbilaran City Police Station, one of the suspects, Montemayor, is a known repeat offender. Background checks revealed previous arrests for illegal drugs on October 5, 2015, and February 3, 2021.
Lieutenant Colonel Escober stated that police had been monitoring Montemayor's illegal activities. Intelligence suggested he was receiving large supplies of illegal drugs intended for distribution during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. Following the gathering of all necessary information, a coordinated buy-bust operation was immediately launched in partnership with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 7.
The successful operations underscore the continued vigilance of Bohol authorities in combating the drug trade, especially ahead of the festive season when demand typically spikes.
