Ang Pahayagan

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — Intensified anti-illegal drug operations conducted by Police Regional Office 3 led to the arrest of several High Value Individuals (HVIs) and the confiscation of more than Php2.89 million worth of suspected shabu, firearms, and ammunition during separate police operations in Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, and Zambales from May 22 to 23, 2026.

In Guiguinto, Bulacan, joint operatives from the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 3 (RPDEU3), RSOG3, and Guiguinto Municipal Police Station arrested a 44-year-old suspect identified only as alias “Jr” during a buy-bust operation along Plaridel Bypass Road in Barangay Cutcut at around 6:30 p.m. on May 22. Authorities recovered approximately 200 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of Php1.36 million.

Meanwhile, in General Mamerto Natividad, Nueva Ecija, police personnel arrested alias “Jim,” 55, during a checkpoint operation in Barangay Mataas na Kahoy at around 9:30 p.m. after he allegedly attempted to evade inspection. Seized from the suspect were about 60 grams of suspected shabu valued at Php408,000, an improvised shotgun with ammunition, a weighing scale, and other drug paraphernalia.

In another operation, operatives of the Station Drug Enforcement Unit of the Malolos City Police Station arrested two suspects identified as alias “Atan” and alias “Soc” during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Panasahan, City of Malolos, Bulacan shortly after midnight on May 23. Authorities confiscated around 81.50 grams of suspected shabu worth Php554,200 and an unlicensed caliber .38 revolver with ammunition.

In Zambales, joint elements of the Zambales Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, Provincial Intelligence Unit, and Iba Municipal Police Station arrested alias “Joe” and two companions during an anti-drug operation in Barangay Palanginan, Iba at around 4:00 a.m. on May 23. Recovered during the operation were approximately 84.6 grams of suspected shabu valued at Php575,280, two firearms, live ammunition, and marked buy-bust money.

Police Brig. General Jess B. Mendez, Regional Director of PRO3, commended the operating units for the successful operations and reiterated the police force’s commitment to intensifying the campaign against illegal drugs and criminality under the PNP Focused Agenda.

Authorities said all arrested suspects and confiscated evidence were brought to their respective police stations for documentation and proper disposition, while corresponding criminal charges are being prepared against the suspects. (Jason de Asis)

More than Php2.8 million worth of suspected illegal drugs were seized while several High Value Individuals were arrested in a series of intensified anti-drug operations conducted by Police Regional Office 3 across Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, and Zambales. Authorities also confiscated firearms and ammunition as police continue to strengthen intelligence-driven operations against illegal drugs and criminality in Central Luzon. (PRO3 photos via Jason de Asis)