BARANGAY kagawad arrested in Eastern Samar following anti-drug operation. Daily Tribune images.
NATION

Drugs, gun seized from barangay official

Elmer Recuerdo

DOLORES, Eastern Samar — A barangay official identified as a high-value drug personality by the Dolores Municipal Police Station (MPS) was arrested after suspected shabu and a handgun were recovered during a search warrant operation in Barangay 10 on 12 February 2026.

Dolores MPS officer-in-charge P/Maj Eumorpho Batlangao said the suspect, a barangay kagawad of Barangay 10, was targeted as part of the Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office’s (ESPPO) anti-criminality strategy.

Authorities recovered nine heat-sealed sachets containing suspected shabu with an estimated total weight of 4.04 grams, assorted drug paraphernalia, one .45-caliber pistol, magazines, and live ammunition.

The operation was conducted jointly by Dolores MPS, ESPPO–Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (ESPPO-PDEU), Provincial Intelligence Unit (ESPPO-PIU), Regional Intelligence Division–Regional Special Operations Unit 8 (RID-RSOU8), and in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-8).

Batlangao commended the operating units for the successful arrest and seizure, emphasizing the police commitment to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs and maintain public safety in the municipality.