Authorities in Dalaguete, Cebu, apprehended two individuals, including a local barangay tanod, in an early morning drug sting operation on Monday, December 1, 2025.
Early Morning Sting Nets Village Watchman
The operation took place at approximately 2:20 AM in Barangay Cawayan, Dalaguete. The suspects were identified as Noe Rivera Dicdican, alias "Baklay," a 58-year-old married barangay tanod, and John Lloyd Philip Benavente Entice, alias "Loyd," a 24-year-old single man. Both are residents of the said barangay.
During the arrest, operatives from the Dalaguete Police Station confiscated 20 packets of suspected shabu and the P500 buy-bust money used in the operation. The illegal drugs, weighing approximately 0.8 grams, have an estimated street value of P5,440.
Confession in Front of Barangay Captain
Major Vincent Zozobrado, chief of the Dalaguete Police Station, revealed a significant detail following the arrest. He stated that the barangay tanod, Dicdican, confessed to his involvement in the illegal drug trade right in front of their barangay captain after being apprehended.
"He was asked by the Captain if the drugs were his, and he admitted it," Zozobrado added. This direct admission adds a layer of gravity to the case, highlighting a breach of trust within the community's security apparatus.
Drugs Allegedly Sourced from Cebu City
Further information disclosed by Major Zozobrado indicates that the confiscated shabu was allegedly purchased by the tanod and his accomplice from Cebu City. The arrest was the culmination of a monitoring operation by the police, who had been tracking the illegal activities of the two suspects.
"Through our monitoring of the two, we were able to trace their illegal activity," Zozobrado said. This successful operation underscores the continued vigilance of local police units against the proliferation of illegal drugs, even when it involves individuals tasked with maintaining peace and order.
