The Philippine National Police (PNP) scored a major victory in the war on drugs this week, arresting two high-value suspects and seizing approximately P7.45 million worth of suspected shabu in a buy-bust operation in Bohol . The operation, conducted in Barangay Totolan, Tagbilaran City , underscores the PNP's relentless campaign against illegal drugs in the Visayas region .
This follows a separate recent operation in Maribojoc, Bohol , where police confiscated over P7 million in shabu . The back-to-back busts signal a rigorous enforcement push as authorities target drug supply chains from the province.
According to the PNP Public Information Office , the operation took place on the night of Thursday, March 20, 2025. Undercover agents posed as buyers and negotiated with the suspects, leading to the arrests. The suspected shabu weighed around 1,020 grams , with a street value estimated at P7,456,000.
Police identified the arrested suspects as Mario Aranzado, 52, an unemployed candle vendor originally from Marikina City but currently residing in Barangay Totolan , and Mario Aranzado, 44 (a separate individual of the same name), a resident of Purok 2, Barangay Bayacabac, Maribojoc, Bohol . The first suspect is classified as a high-value target (HVT) due to his alleged role in local drug distribution networks.
Bohol, a popular tourist destination, has been flagged by law enforcement as a potential transit point for illegal drugs entering the Visayas from Mindanao and Luzon . The province's numerous ports and Tagbilaran City 's connectivity make it vulnerable to smuggling. This latest bust disrupts supply lines feeding drug dens in both urban and rural areas.
In a separate report by SunStar Cebu , authorities in Maribojoc earlier recovered around 10,285.6 grams of suspected shabu valued at nearly P70 million in a single operation. These large-scale seizures highlight the scale of the drug problem in the region.
The Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO) confirmed that the suspects are now in custody. They face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Police Colonel Gerald G. Bascug , BPPO director, commended the operating units for their dedication.
"This is a testament to our relentless campaign against illegal drugs. We will continue to dismantle drug syndicates operating in Bohol," Bascug said in a statement quoted by the Philippine News Agency . The suspects face non-bailable charges if the quantity of drugs is confirmed in court.
For residents of Barangay Totolan and nearby villages, the arrests bring a sense of relief. Illegal drug trade has been linked to street crimes such as robbery and theft. Community leaders expressed support for continued police operations but also called for rehabilitation centers to help drug users.
"We support the PNP's efforts. But we also need alternative livelihood programs for former drug dependents," said a local barangay official. The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) reports that over 1.7 million Filipinos are drug users, with shabu being the most abused substance.
The PNP's Drug Enforcement Group has intensified operations across Central Visayas . In 2024 alone, police in Region 7 seized over P300 million worth of shabu and arrested more than 2,000 suspects . These operations are part of the national Buhay Ingatan, Droga'y Ayawan (BIDA) program led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reiterated his commitment to a holistic approach , balancing enforcement with prevention and rehabilitation. However, critics argue that the focus remains on street-level arrests rather than dismantling major drug syndicates.
Despite the success, challenges persist. Drug syndicates adapt by using smaller shipments and local couriers . Corruption within law enforcement also remains a barrier. The PNP Internal Affairs Service continues probing allegations of police involvement in drug recycling.
The recent seizures in Bohol are expected to reduce drug availability temporarily. But authorities emphasize the need for sustained community cooperation and intelligence-driven operations to achieve lasting results.
The arrest of two high-value suspects and the seizure of P7.4 million in shabu in Bohol mark a significant milestone. It demonstrates the PNP's capability to conduct precise operations. However, the complex nature of drug trafficking requires multi-sectoral strategies.
Moving forward, stronger border controls , rehabilitation programs , and economic opportunities for vulnerable communities will be crucial. As Bohol and the rest of the Philippines continue this fight, each successful bust brings hope for safer, drug-free communities.
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