Camp Captain Julian Olivas, City of San Fernando, Pampanga — Two High-Value Individuals (HVIs) were arrested and more than ₱2.05 million worth of suspected illegal drugs were seized in a buy-bust operation conducted by Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, early Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
The operation took place at around 4:15 AM in Barangay Juliana and was carried out by joint operatives of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 3 (RPDEU3) and Regional Special Operations Group 3 (RSOG3), with support from the San Fernando City Police Station and in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 3.
Police arrested two male suspects, aged 32 and 26, both identified as HVIs.
Recovered during the operation were around 300 grams of suspected shabu valued at Php 2,040,000.00 and about five grams of suspected marijuana, or “kush,” valued at Php 8,500.00. The seized illegal drugs have a combined standard drug price of Php 2,048,500.00
Operatives also recovered a black Mitsubishi Xpander, two cellular phones, and Php 200,000.00 in buy-bust money consisting of one genuine Php 1,000 bill and 199 pieces of Php 1,000 boodle money.
PBGEN Jess Mendez, Regional Director of PRO3, commended the operating units and said the accomplishment reflects the region’s continuing effort to prevent illegal drugs from reaching communities.
“Every successful operation means fewer illegal drugs reaching our streets, our families, and especially our young people. We continue to strengthen our intelligence work and coordination with other law enforcement agencies so we can go after those who profit from illegal drugs. At the same time, we will make sure that every operation is carried out professionally, judiciously, and within the bounds of the law,” Mendez said.
He also emphasized that public cooperation remains an important part of the campaign against illegal drugs.
“Our communities are our strongest partners. We encourage the public to continue sharing information and reporting suspicious activities to the police. When the police and the community work together, we are in a better position to keep our neighborhoods safe and deliver the kind of service our people can truly feel—mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman,” he added.
The accomplishment is in line with the PNP Focused Agenda of PGEN Jose Nartatez Jr., Chief, PNP, particularly the continued strengthening of police operations, integrity in law enforcement, responsible use of resources, and stronger community support in maintaining peace and order.
Appropriate charges for violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared against the arrested suspects.
PRO3 said its anti-illegal drug operations will continue across Central Luzon as part of its commitment to keeping communities safe and providing responsive, effective, and people-centered police service.
