THREE individuals, including a Barangay Health Worker (BHW), were arrested in a buy-bust in Malabuyoc town on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Cebu Provincial Office, with the Malabuyoc police and the 703rd Maneuver Company, conducted the operation in Barangay Tolosa, a previously declared drug-cleared village.
PDEA-7 Regional Director Joel Plaza identified the primary target as “June,” 30, a construction worker and resident of the area.
Also arrested were “Jane,” 23, a Barangay Health Worker in Tolosa and live-in partner of “June,” and “Marben,” 30, a farmer from Barangay Lipanto, Alegria town.
Authorities seized 11 packets of suspected shabu weighing 10 grams worth P68,000, along with cash believed to be drug proceeds, two cellphones, and a .45-caliber pistol with a magazine and three bullets.
The recovered items were turned over to the PDEA-7 Regional Office Laboratory for chemical analysis.
PDEA-7 information officer Leia Alcantara said the suspects had been under surveillance for a week after sources linked “June” to illegal drug sales.
She added that “Jane,” the BHW partner of “June,” actively assisted in drug transactions, making both direct targets of the operation.
“June” reportedly sold about 10 grams of shabu weekly to acquaintances. Alcantara clarified that the arrest will not affect Barangay Tolosa’s “drug-cleared” status, which means authorities continue to monitor drug personalities in the area.
“June” and “Jane” will face charges for violating Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), and Republic Act 10591 (Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition). “Marben” will face a separate charge. / AYB