Police arrested a barangay chairman in Ilagan City after he was caught with a firearm and suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Cabisera 14-16.

The 39-year-old official will face charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, the Illegal Firearms Law, and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) gun ban.

Authorities seized a packet of suspected shabu worth P6,800, buy-bust money, a 9mm pistol, nine bullets, and his vehicle.

The suspect declined to give a statement.

Police revealed that he was earlier charged with murder on January 2025 for shooting a resident allegedly during a drinking session.

“Nasa kustodiya na ng PNP-Ilagan police station... pini-prepare na po ang kasong paglabag sa Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act at gun ban... una nang nafile-an noon ng murder...” PCpt. Noralyn Andal, spokesperson of Ilagan City Police Station, said.