In a significant crackdown on illegal narcotics, authorities in Bohol have apprehended a businessman with a prior drug conviction, along with his bodyguard, seizing shabu valued at more than P8.8 million. The operation, conducted on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, marks a major victory in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the region.
Details of the Arrest and Seizure
The Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of the Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) executed the raid at 11:58 a.m. in Purok 6, Barangay Libaong, Panglao City. The suspects, both listed as High Value Individuals (HVI), were identified as alias Levis, a 48-year-old resident of Brgy. Libaong, Panglao, and alias Jun, his 41-year-old bodyguard from Basak Taloto, Tagbilaran City.
Law enforcement officers confiscated a large package of suspected shabu weighing 1,296.4 grams, with a Standard Drug Price estimated at P8,815,520. In addition to the drugs, police recovered a green Toyota Vios with plate number GBA 9555, a .9mm caliber pistol with ammunition from the bodyguard, and a cellular phone used in their illicit transactions.
Background and Investigation Findings
According to police investigations, Levis was previously arrested in 2016 for drug-related offenses but managed to escape from prison in 2019. Since his escape, he has allegedly resumed selling shabu in areas including Panglao, Dauis, and Tagbilaran. His bodyguard, Jun, was also arrested in 2025 on similar drug charges, highlighting a pattern of recidivism among the suspects.
Intelligence reports have revealed that the source of their shabu supply is linked to a prisoner at the Abuyog Penal Farm in Leyte, indicating a broader network of drug distribution that authorities are actively pursuing.
Leadership and Legal Proceedings
The successful operation was led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Joemar Pomarejos, chief of the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), under the supervision of Police Colonel Patricio Degay Jr., the Provincial Director of the Bohol PNP. Both suspects are now facing charges for violations of Section 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as well as Republic Act 10591 for illegal possession of firearms.
This arrest underscores the persistent efforts of law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and hold high-value individuals accountable, contributing to public safety and the rule of law in Bohol and beyond.
