Ang Pahayagan

PAMPANGA — The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) intensified its anti-drug campaign anew with the arrest of two high-value individuals (HVIs) and the confiscation of more than ₱1 million worth of suspected shabu in separate buy-bust operations conducted within the past 24 hours in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan.

In Nueva Ecija, joint operatives of the San Antonio Municipal Police Station’s Special Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), arrested alias “Au,” 44, during a buy-bust operation in Barangay San Mariano, San Antonio, around 1:00 a.m. on October 8, 2025.

Recovered from the suspect were ten sachets of suspected shabu with an estimated total weight of 55.75 grams and a street value of PHP379,100.

Meanwhile, in Bulacan, police operatives from the Bocaue MPS SDEU apprehended another suspect identified as “@Casper,” 30, during an anti-drug operation along MacArthur Highway in Barangay Caingin, Bocaue, around 7:00 p.m. on October 7, 2025.

Authorities confiscated from the suspect approximately 103 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP700,400.

Police Brigadier General Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr., Regional Director of PRO3, commended the operatives for their swift and effective execution of the operations.

“These arrests send a strong message that PRO3 remains steadfast in our commitment to rid Central Luzon of illegal drugs. We commend the dedication of our operatives who risk their lives to ensure that these high-value targets are put behind bars. This is not just a police accomplishment—it is a victory for the communities we serve,” he said.

Peñones emphasized that the success of these operations aligns with the strategic direction set by Acting Chief PNP, Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., under the PNP Focused Agenda, which highlights intensified anti-criminality efforts and community protection against illegal drugs.

“Rest assured, under the leadership of our Acting Chief PNP, Police Lt. Gen. Nartatez Jr., PRO3 will continue to carry out relentless and lawful operations in pursuit of a safer, drug-free Central Luzon,” Peñones added.

Both suspects are now under police custody and will face charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (Jason de Asis)