Barangay Councilor and Alleged Runner Arrested in Oslob Drug Bust
In a significant law enforcement operation, a barangay councilor listed as a target by the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency was apprehended along with his alleged runner. The arrest occurred during a buy-bust operation conducted by the Oslob Police Station at approximately 7:50 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, in Purok San Jose 2, Barangay Daanlungsod, Oslob.
Suspects and Seized Evidence
The suspects have been identified as Ernesto Sagaral Gumapon, 45, alias Erning, a sitting barangay councilor and resident of the area, and his alleged runner, Bryce Cayon Rendon, 23, alias Dodong. Operatives led by Maj. Alejandro Batobalonos, chief of the Oslob Police Station, seized several packets of suspected shabu weighing about 0.85 grams with an estimated value of P5,780.
Background and Investigation
Batobalonos revealed that the councilor had been under surveillance for some time after his name emerged in reports from the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council. Information about his alleged illegal activities was reportedly provided by fellow barangay officials. Based on intelligence gathered from text messages and private Facebook communications, authorities believe the suspect sourced illegal drugs from Barangay Duljo-Fatima in Cebu City, with distribution allegedly extending as far as Negros Oriental.
Community Reaction and Legal Proceedings
Residents of Barangay Daanlungsod expressed relief over the arrest, stating that it has helped curb the sale of illegal drugs in their community. The Oslob Police Station is currently preparing charges for violation of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, against the suspects.
