Three people, including an incumbent municipal councilor and a son of barangay councilor, were arrested during service of search warrants at three houses in Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental on Monday, September 15, 2025.

The operation was carried out by personnel of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Northern Mindanao (PDEA-10).

In the first house in Barangay Kibungsod, a 38-year-old man was arrested with suspected shabu worth around P136,000 and various drug paraphernalia.

PDEA-10 said the suspect is the son of a barangay councilor.

In the second house in Barangay Artadi, a 48-year-old man was arrested with suspected shabu worth nearly P750,000.

The suspect was tagged as among the top targets in the illegal drug trade in Northern Mindanao.

His modus allegedly involves moving from place to place to distribute illegal drugs, and his operation reportedly covers Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, and Caraga region.

Meanwhile, a municipal councilor identified as alias “Coy Ubs,” 49, was arrested in the third house in Barangay Candiis.

Seized from his possession were sachets of suspected shabu worth around P34,000.

“More than 100 operatives and 11 units ang atong gigamit ganina so it is a planned operation nakuha nato ang advantage wala nato sila natagaan og opportunity nga musukol,” PDEA-Misamis Oriental Chief, Expedito Cardona Jr., Said.

PDEA-10 added that the suspects are allegedly part of an illegal drug syndicate with “Coy Ubs” acting as their protector.

Aside from selling illegal drugs, the group was also allegedly involved in shooting incidents in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental.

“Iya tung driver nga napusilan patay ug iya pud to (van) nga gigamit didto sa Talisayan. So ang PNP under investigation naman na so dili lang ko mag comment ana pero factual lang ako nga iyaha to nga driver ug iyaha to nga sakyanan,” Cardona added.

All suspects are now detained and will face charges for alleged violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165). They refused to comment.