CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — Five suspected drug offenders were arrested and approximately P1.55 million worth of suspected illegal drugs were seized in three separate police operations in Bataan and Bulacan on September 28, 2026, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) said.

In Dinalupihan, Bataan, two suspects were arrested in a buy-bust operation that resulted in the recovery of approximately 57.69 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP392,292.

Earlier, police served a search warrant in Limay, Bataan, leading to the arrest of another suspect and the recovery of approximately 99.62 grams of suspected shabu valued at around PHP677,416, along with drug paraphernalia.

Meanwhile, two other suspects were arrested in a separate buy-bust operation in the City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. Police recovered approximately four kilograms of suspected marijuana with an estimated value of PHP480,000.

PRO3 Regional Director Police Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez said the successive operations demonstrate the regional police command’s continuing efforts to prevent illegal drugs from reaching communities.

“These accomplishments are not simply about the quantity or value of the drugs we recover. What matters is preventing these illegal substances from reaching our streets and our families. We will continue intelligence-driven and lawful operations while strengthening our partnership with the communities we serve,” Mendez said.

The operations support the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly the Enhanced Managing Police Operations strategy, which promotes intelligence-driven, responsive, and coordinated police action.

Mendez also urged the public to report criminal incidents and suspicious activities requiring immediate police attention.

He cited the Unified 911 Emergency Response System, which provides the public with a single emergency number for police and other emergency responders, facilitating faster coordination and dispatch.

“Our communities are an important part of crime prevention. When people report incidents early, we are better positioned to respond quickly and prevent a situation from becoming more serious. Unified 911 gives our people a direct and easier way to call for help when it matters most,” Mendez added.

The arrested suspects remain in police custody while appropriate charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared. (Jason de Asis)