By I. Inojales | 11:44 AM August 07, 2025 Updated at 01:25PM
LOON, Bohol – A drug suspect managed to escape authorities during a buy-bust operation in a remote upland area of Barangay Tubodio here early Wednesday morning, August 7.
The suspect, identified as Elmer Maputol, a tricab driver from Tagbilaran City, was reportedly caught in the act of selling illegal drugs to a poseur buyer at around 6 a.m.
According to police, just as they were about to finish handcuffing Maputol, he suddenly punched one of the arresting officers and bolted, running toward the mountainous terrain.
In the haste of his escape, Maputol left behind a pair of slippers and a plastic sachet containing suspected shabu with an estimated value of P1.7 million.
However, authorities immediately launched a manhunt and hot pursuit operation, which led to his re-arrest shortly after his escape.
Police warned the public that Maputol is considered dangerous and urged anyone with information about his whereabouts to immediately contact the nearest police station.
Maputol was arrested in a buy-bust in 2017 in Guindulman town.
