AUTHORITIES arrested a high-value target (HVT) and seized some P340,000 worth of illegal drugs in an anti-drug operation in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, an official said Saturday, March 1, 2025.
Maharani Gadaoni-Tosoc, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Zamboanga Peninsula director, identified the arrested HVT suspect as Cyril Gumalingan, also known as Roldan Tubol, 50, a habal-habal driver, and a resident of Sitio Paraiso in Galas village, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte.
Gadaoni-Tosoc said Gumalingan was arrested in a buy-bust around 9:12 p.m. Friday, February 28, in Miputak village, Dipolog City.
Gadaoni-Tosoc said the buy-bust was launched following surveillance on the activities of Gumalingan related to the sale of illegal drugs.
She said seized from Gumalingan were some 50 grams of suspected shabu worth P340,000, an android phone, a driver’s license, and buy-bust money.
She added the arrested HVT suspect was detained while charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 is being readied against him.
The buy-bust was launched by PDEA agents with the support of the anti-drug units of the police and First Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company. (SunStar Zamboanga)
