Ang Pahayagan

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) recorded another major breakthrough in its intensified campaign against illegal drugs with the arrest of two high-value individuals and the seizure of more than PHP 3.25 million worth of suspected shabu in separate anti-drug operations in Olongapo City on January 9 and 10, 2026.
In the early morning of January 10, operatives of the City Police Drug Enforcement Unit (CPDEU), in coordination with the Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU) of the Olongapo City Police Office, the Regional Intelligence Division (RID) of PRO3, and Police Station 1, conducted a buy-bust operation in Barangay West Bajac-bajac. The operation resulted in the arrest of a suspect known as “Bash,” identified as a high-value drug personality.
Recovered from the suspect were six plastic packs containing approximately 400 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of PHP 2,720,000.00, along with marked and boodle money used during the transaction.
In a separate operation on the night of January 9, joint elements of CPDEU, CIU-OCPO, and RID PRO3 arrested another high-value individual identified as “Kevin” in Barangay Sta. Rita. Seized from his possession were 78 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP 530,400.00, as well as buy-bust money.
Police Brig. General Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr., Regional Director of PRO3, said the successful operations demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-driven and coordinated law enforcement efforts in the region.
“These accomplishments reflect the commitment of our police units to conduct focused, lawful, and coordinated operations. We remain firm in preventing illegal drugs from destroying lives and communities, while ensuring that all police actions strictly adhere to due process and professionalism,” Police Brig. General Peñones said.
He added that the operations are aligned with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, and reinforce PRO3’s sustained efforts to strengthen public safety and community well-being through disciplined and accountable policing.
Authorities said appropriate charges are being prepared against the suspects, while the seized evidence has been turned over for proper documentation and forensic examination as part of the continuing case build-up. (Jason de Asis)