EX-MAYOR NABBED IN SHABU BUY-BUST

BY KEVIN GALANG

A FORMER mayor on New Year’s Eve was arrested by the police in a drug buy-bust operation in Talavera, Nueva Ecija.

Nabbed was a 53-year-old ex-mayor of Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija.

In a report to Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) director Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr., the former Ecija town dad was listed as a “high-value individual.”

The buy-bust operation was conducted in Bgy. Calipahan, Talavera in the early hours of December 31, 2025.

The former mayor was arrested after he sold P1,000 worth of shabu to an undercover officer.

Also seized from the suspect were six plastic sachets of shabu weighing approximately 70 grams valued at P476,000 and the marked money.

Prior to the sting, the suspect was being monitored by the authorities for his alleged illegal activities.

Peñones said the arrest of the suspect highlights the region’s sustained and  intelligence-driven campaign against illegal drugs.

“This successful operation underscores our firm and lawful approach in addressing the illegal drug problem. Our police units remain focused on protecting communities and ensuring that no one is above the law,” Peñones said.

The Central Luzon top cop added that the accomplishment aligns with the Philippine National Police’s Focused Agenda under acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., particularly in enhancing the management of police operations.

The successful operation also reinforces PRO3’s guiding principles known as the 3Ps: Protect the People, Pursue Peace and Order, and Promote Professionalism.

 The arrested suspect is now under police custody and will face cases for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.