Authorities in Negros Island Region scored a major victory in the war against illegal drugs with a significant drug bust in Dumaguete City that netted millions worth of shabu and led to the arrest of a high-value suspect.
Major Drug Operation in Barangay Junob
The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) conducted a successful anti-drug operation on November 14, 2025 in Purok Mabugnawon, Barangay Junob, Dumaguete City. The operation resulted in the confiscation of approximately 400 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of P2.720 million.
During the buy-bust operation conducted by Dumaguete City Police Station, law enforcement agents arrested a suspect known by the alias "Empoy," a 42-year-old resident of Zone 3, Barangay Looc in Dumaguete City.
Evidence Recovered and Suspect Profile
Police authorities recovered substantial evidence from the suspect, including several plastic sachets containing the illegal substance, along with marked money used in the operation, a sling bag, and a cellular phone.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, chief of the PRO-NIR Public Information Office, the arrested individual is classified as a high-value drug personality in Negros Oriental, indicating his significant role in the local drug trade.
Legal Proceedings and Police Commitment
The suspect is currently detained at the custodial facility of Dumaguete City Police Station while awaiting formal charges. He will face charges for violating Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, praised the operating team for their vigilance and professionalism during the operation. He emphasized that this successful drug bust reflects PRO-NIR's determined efforts to eliminate illegal drugs throughout the region.
"Our fight is far from over. PRO-NIR will continue to work tirelessly, hand in hand with various sectors, to ensure lasting peace, public safety, and a drug-free Negros Island Region," General Ibay stated.
The police official further affirmed that PRO-NIR remains committed to its anti-illegal drug campaign through sustained intelligence-driven operations and strengthened community collaboration to identify and apprehend drug personalities operating in the region.
