By Zaldy Comanda
SANTIAGO CITY, Isabela — Authorities rescued three minors during a joint operation by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency‑Region 2 and local police that dismantled a drug den in Barangay Villasis on Aug. 22.
PDEA Regional Director Gil Cesario P. Castro said operatives arrested alias “Sandra,” 21, while another suspect, alias “Ace,” 38, managed to escape.
Inside the house, police seized around 150 grams of shabu valued at ₱18,000, along with two grams worth ₱13,600, three mobile phones, and drug paraphernalia.
Castro emphasized that the presence of minors inside the drug den underscored the dangers posed by illegal drug operations to vulnerable individuals.
The children were immediately turned over to authorities for assessment and proper care in line with existing laws.
The arrested suspect faces charges for violations of Sections 5, 6, 7, 11, and 12 of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
