Manila Police District (MPD) officers arrested two high-value drug suspects and seized an estimated P3.57 million worth of illegal drugs during an early morning buy-bust operation Friday in Sampaloc, Manila.

MPD director Brig. Gen. Arnold Santiago identified the suspects as Guillermo Manguerra, alias Bida or Bebot, and Arlene Lorenzo alias Beng. Both are unemployed and reside on Maria Cristina Street in Sampaloc. Police noted that Manguerra had previously been charged with drug offenses.

Officers executed the sting operation around 3 a.m. at a residence on Maria Cristina Street in Barangay 455 following a surveillance operation triggered by tips about the suspects’ illegal drug activities.

After an undercover officer bought illegal drugs from the duo, police moved in to make the arrest.

Both suspects attempted to flee by jumping from the second floor of the house, sustaining injuries in the process, according to police reports.

Investigators recovered five medium-sized heat-sealed plastic sachets and five knot-tied bags containing about 525 grams of suspected methamphetamine, locally known as shabu, valued at P3.57 million.

The suspects are currently held at the MPD detention facility. They will face charges in the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office for violations of Section 5 (sale) and Section 11 (possession) under Article II of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.