By I. Inojales | 06:09 PM April 27, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — Authorities arrested two alleged drug personalities, including a high-value individual, and seized more than P7.4 million worth of suspected shabu in a joint anti-drug operation on Monday, April 27, in Barangay Dampas.
The operation, conducted around 12:56 p.m. in Purok 3, led to the confiscation of approximately 1,096.9 grams of suspected shabu, according to the Tagbilaran City Police Station.
The suspects are identified as Antonio Mativo, 48, a resident of San Isidro Maribojoc, Bohol; and Jude Michael Bantug, 20, a resident of Brgy. Ubujan, Tagbilaran City.
The buy-bust was carried out by the City Drug Enforcement Team (CDET) under the supervision of Lt. Col. Joey Mallare Bicoy, officer-in-charge of the station, in coordination with multiple units, including the Regional Intelligence Division (RID-7), Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU-7), Philippine Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Bohol Satellite Office.
Bicoy said the successful operation highlights intensified efforts against illegal drugs in the city.
“This successful operation reflects our firm commitment to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs. We assure the public that your police will remain aggressive and relentless in pursuing those who threaten the safety of our communities,” he said.
Charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are being prepared against the suspects.
Police urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities as part of the continuing campaign to curb illegal drugs in Tagbilaran City.
