Two men found themselves in police custody on Christmas Day after a car crash led to the discovery of a substantial quantity of suspected illegal drugs in Negros Occidental.
From Accident to Apprehension
The incident began on December 25, 2025, around 12:50 p.m. along the National Highway in Barangay San Teodoro, Binalbagan. According to Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, chief of the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) Public Information Office, the Binalbagan Municipal Police responded to a report of a vehicular accident involving a Toyota Wigo.
The driver had lost control of the vehicle, causing it to collide with roadside structures and a mango tree, resulting in significant damage. However, when police arrived at the scene, the two male suspects, sensing their presence, chose to flee.
Flight Leads to Drug Recovery
The duo managed to board a tricycle in an attempt to escape but were successfully intercepted and apprehended at Crossing Bag-o in Barangay San Jose, Binalbagan. They were immediately brought to the police station.
The duty traffic investigator, questioning why the men tried to evade authorities, proceeded to inspect a black backpack in their possession. This inspection led to a major discovery: suspected illegal drugs.
Police confiscated the backpack, which contained four heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets and one tied plastic sachet of suspected shabu. The total weight of the confiscated substance was approximately 80 grams, with an estimated street value of P544,000. The damaged Toyota Wigo was also recovered.
Suspects Face Drug Charges
The suspects were identified only by their aliases as “Anthon,” 35, and “Phil,” 26, both residents of Barangay 2 in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental. Lieutenant Colonel Malong stated that alias "Anthon" is considered a high-value individual in the illegal drug trade, while his companion is identified as a street-level drug personality in the province.
Both men are currently detained at the custodial facility of the Binalbagan Municipal Police Station. They will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Malong emphasized that this operation underscores PRO-NIR's relentless campaign against illegal substances. "Even in routine incidents and during the holiday season, law enforcement remains vigilant and decisive in pursuing offenders," she said. The regional police office aims to send a clear message that drug activities will be uncovered and the law enforced to protect community peace and safety across the Negros Island Region.
