In a powerful display of force against the narcotics trade, police officers across Central Visayas arrested three dozen drug suspects and seized millions worth of illegal substances in a single day of synchronized operations.
Massive One-Day Police Operation Yields Results
On December 26, 2025, units from the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO 7), working closely with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA 7), launched simultaneous anti-illegal drug operations throughout the region. The coordinated blitz led to the arrest of 36 drug personalities and the confiscation of illegal drugs with an estimated street value of around P4.2 million.
Authorities stated the operations highlight their intensified and continuous campaign against illegal drugs. This push is especially critical during the holiday season, when law enforcement believes the distribution and use of shabu, or methamphetamine, typically see an increase.
Major Bust in Mandaue City Highlights Operation
The most significant single haul occurred in Mandaue City. There, operatives from the City Intelligence Unit and the City Drug Enforcement Unit conducted a buy-bust operation in Sitio Pilit, Barangay Cabancalan, at 8:47 in the evening.
The operation resulted in the capture of a man identified as a high-value individual. From him, police confiscated approximately 150 grams of shabu, which carries an estimated Dangerous Drugs Board value of P1,020,000.
Cases Prepared, Public Cooperation Sought
All individuals arrested during the December 26 operations are now in police custody. Law enforcement is currently preparing cases against them for violations of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The seized drug evidence has been sent to the PNP Forensic Unit for confirmatory chemical analysis.
Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, the regional director of PRO 7, issued a stern warning to criminals seeking to exploit the festive period. He emphasized that police presence and operations are not relaxed during the holidays.
"These drug personalities take advantage of the holiday season, thinking that law enforcement is relaxed. Let this serve as a clear warning: We will not allow illegal drugs to poison our communities at any time of the year," Maranan stated. "Our operations will remain relentless, strategic, and uncompromising."
General Maranan also called on the public to be active partners in ensuring community safety. He urged citizens to report any suspicious drug-related activities in their neighborhoods to the authorities. The police assured the public of protection and confidentiality for those who cooperate, aiming to build peaceful, orderly, and crime-free communities.
