By Nef Luczon

HIGH-PROFILE ARREST. PDEA-10 operatives seize alleged illegal drug substances and a firearm while serving a search warrant at the residence of a vice mayor in Guinsiliban town, Camiguin on Tuesday (March 17, 2026). The suspect was among the notable personalities arrested in the region’s anti-drug operations. (Photo courtesy of PDEA-10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 10 (Northern Mindanao) said Wednesday it remains vigilant against the movements of “notable” personalities engaged in illegal drug use and trade, warning that no one is above the law.

In a briefing, PDEA-10 Director Alex Tablate said the directive to dismantle drug dens in the region goes hand in hand with the identification and arrest of high-profile suspects.

“This is a reminder that regardless of who you are, or your position, we will still enforce the law,” Tablate said.

He cited the arrest of a vice mayor in Camiguin province, identified only as “Tata,” as an example among a long list of high-profile cases PDEA-10 has accomplished over the years.

On March 17, the vice mayor was served a search warrant with police assistance at his residence in Barangay North Poblacion, Guinsiliban town. Authorities seized alleged illegal drug substances worth PHP102,000, paraphernalia, and a firearm.

Tablate noted that last year, a local government councilor in Misamis Occidental was also apprehended, and several notable private personalities are facing charges in joint PDEA-10 and police operations. (PNA)