More than a kilogram of suspected shabu was seized by operatives of the Tagbilaran City Police Station during a buy-bust operation conducted at around 12:56 a.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Purok 3, Barangay Dampas, Tagbilaran City.
Suspects Identified
The arrested individuals were identified as Antonio Mativo, 48, a masseur from San Isidro, Maribojoc town; and his younger companion, Jude Michael Bantug, 20, a resident of Barangay Ubujan, Tagbilaran.
Evidence Recovered
Operatives recovered a vacuum-sealed cellophane package with Chinese characters, weighing 1,096.9 grams, with a standard drug price of P7,458,920. The seized evidence has been turned over to the PNP Forensic Unit of the Bohol Police Provincial Office for chemical analysis.
Operation Details
According to the investigation by the Tagbilaran City Police Station, the City Drug Enforcement Team received information about the illegal activities of the suspects. The anti-illegal drug operation was launched under the leadership of Police Lieutenant Greg Reyes, by order of station chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Joey Bicoy, resulting in the seizure of the large quantity of shabu.
Bicoy stated that there is a strong possibility the seized shabu was intended for distribution during the Saulog Festival in Tagbilaran City. Charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 are being prepared against the suspects.
