Two Ex-Convicts Identified as High-Value Individuals Apprehended in Bohol Drug Sting
In a significant crackdown on illegal activities, two former convicts recognized as High Value Individuals (HVIs) were captured following a buy-bust operation conducted by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of the Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO). The arrest occurred on Saturday afternoon, January 24, 2026, marking a crucial step in law enforcement efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region.
Details of the Operation and Arrest
The operation unfolded at 5:32 PM in Purok 3, Barangay Canapnapan, within the city of Corella. The individuals taken into custody have been identified as Denoberto Fuentes, aged 33 and known by the alias Deno, who is a farmer and resident of Barangay San Vicente in Trinidad, Bohol. The second suspect is Jerome Polestico, aged 35 and referred to as Rumpols, hailing from Barangay San Agustin in Talibon City.
Seized Items and Evidence
Authorities confiscated several items from the suspects, including medium packs of suspected shabu weighing approximately 75.6 grams. This quantity has an estimated standard drug price of P514,080, highlighting the substantial value of the illicit substances involved. In addition to the drugs, law enforcement recovered a .45 caliber pistol loaded with three bullets, a Euro motorcycle used for delivery purposes, a cellular phone, and the buy-bust money utilized in the operation.
Criminal Backgrounds of the Suspects
Based on police records, both individuals have served time in prison previously. Denoberto Fuentes was imprisoned in 2014 due to convictions for double murder and frustrated murder in Trinidad. He was released from the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa in 2024 after completing a 10-year sentence. Meanwhile, Jerome Polestico was arrested in 2020 in General Trias, Cavite, for violations under RA 9165, which pertains to illegal drugs, and he also gained freedom in 2024.
Alleged Return to Illegal Activities
It is reported that after their release, the two suspects resumed their involvement in the illegal drug trade within Bohol. Furthermore, they are accused of acting as hitmen against their downline associates who failed to repay debts related to shabu transactions. This development underscores the ongoing challenges in rehabilitating ex-convicts and preventing recidivism in criminal enterprises.
