AN INCUMBENT Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairman in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon and his companion, who was released in prison after availing himself of government's plea bargaining agreement, were arrested in a drug bust in Valencia City Wednesday, March 11.

Arrested were 23 years old Philip James Janio, SK chairman of Barangay Simaya, Malaybalay City; and Larkyn Balistoy, 34, an event organizer from Kisanday, Maramag town.

Valencia City Police Chief Surki Serenas said Janio has been under monitoring for quite some time. He was tagged as a high-value target being an elected government youth official.

Anti-illegal drug operatives seized sachets of substance believed to bbe shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) worth around P18,000.

Police are awaiting the result of the drug test of the suspects.

"But with our prior surveillance on them, it won't be surprising if it will come out positive (for drug use)," Serenas said.

Meanwhile, a "motorela" driver identified as Darren Demapiles, 33, was also arrested in a drug bust in Poblacion, Valencia City.

Confiscated from his possession were a sachet of suspected shabu and cellphone.

Police said the suspect was in the drug list of the Directorate for Intelligence (DI).

All drug suspects arrested are now detained and will face drug charges.