Jamaine Punzalan

Generic thumbnail for jail. Jail thumbnail

Article (news)

THUMBNAIL-JAIL

Eon Sanchez

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1774222555456Jail-5.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><p>MANILA — A public school principal was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur. </p><p>The joint operation by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 13 and the Tagbina Municipal Police Station was carried out at around 10:47 p.m. on Friday in Purok 3, Barangay Poblacion.</p><p>Authorities identified the suspect as a 45-year-old male resident of the area, who is currently serving as a district school supervisor with the rank of Principal III.</p><p>According to investigators, the suspect had been under surveillance for alleged involvement in illegal drug activities.</p><p>Law enforcers said the buy-bust was launched after validation and monitoring by multiple anti-drug units.</p><p>Seized during the operation were two heat-sealed plastic sachets containing suspected shabu with an estimated value of P6,800, along with marked money used in the transaction.</p><p>“This development highlights the importance of vigilance and accountability in public service. Positions of authority must never be used to undermine the law or endanger the community,” PDEA Regional Office 13 Director Laurefel Gabales said.</p><p>The suspect is under the custody of the Tagbina police. He is set to face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/3/22/akusado-sa-pagpatay-sa-accountant-sa-cavite-arestado-sa-batangas-1605">Akusado sa pagpatay sa accountant sa Cavite, arestado sa Batangas</a><br/><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/3/22/phivolcs-records-effusive-eruption-at-mayon-volcano-remains-at-alert-level-3-1953">Phivolcs records &#x27;effusive eruption&#x27; at Mayon Volcano; remains at Alert Level 3</a><br/><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/3/22/ptfoms-condemns-killing-of-negros-occidental-broadcaster-1526">PTFoMS condemns killing of Negros Occidental broadcaster</a></div>

<p>A public school principal was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur.</p>

A public school principal was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur.

School principal arrested in Surigao del Sur drug buy-bust

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Regions

School principal arrested in Surigao del Sur drug buy-bust

Eon Sanchez,

ABS-CBN News

Published March 23, 2026 07:37 AM PHT

Read More:

Surigao del Sur

Buy Bust Operation

Drugs

PDEA

crime

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.