Ang Pahayagan

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — Authorities seized more than Php1 million worth of suspected illegal drugs and arrested several high-value individuals (HVIs) in separate anti-drug operations conducted in Baliwag City, Bulacan and Angeles City, Pampanga on April 23, 2026.

In a statement released on Friday, April 24, 2026, two listed HVIs were apprehended in a buy-bust operation at around 7:40 p.m. in Barangay Poblacion, Baliwag City. The operation was carried out by joint operatives of the Baliwag City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 3.

Recovered from the suspects were approximately 50 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of Php340,000. Also seized during the operation was a caliber .22 revolver along with ammunition.

In a separate operation at around 8:10 p.m., two more listed HVIs were arrested in Angeles City by joint elements of the Angeles City Police Drug Enforcement Unit, Police Station 2, and PDEA Pampanga. The operation took place along Miranda Street Extension in Barangay Sta. Trinidad.

 Authorities confiscated approximately 105 grams of suspected shabu from the suspects, with an estimated value of Php714,000.

All seized items were properly inventoried in the presence of required witnesses, while the arrested suspects are now under police custody pending the filing of appropriate charges.

Police Brig. General Jess B. Mendez, Regional Director of PRO3, commended the operating units for their coordinated and intelligence-driven efforts.

“These successful operations reflect our firm commitment to the PNP’s focused agenda, particularly in intensifying the campaign against illegal drugs and ensuring the safety of our communities. Coordination with PDEA and other partners will continue to be strengthened to sustain high-impact operations against high-value targets,” Mendez said.

He added that authorities will continue to pursue drug syndicates across the region.

“There is no safe space for illegal drug activities in Central Luzon. Operations will be pursued with discipline, integrity, and consistency to protect our communities and uphold public trust,” he said.

PRO3 reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling illegal drug networks and holding offenders accountable as part of its ongoing efforts to maintain peace and order across Central Luzon. (Jason de Asis)