5 arrested in ‘tupada’ in Baao; cops seize P1M shabu in Minalabac

BAAO, Camarines Sur --- Five individuals were arrested in an anti-illegal gambling operation conducted by Baao Municipal Police Station (MPS) on January 25, 2026, while police intelligence operatives also seized over P1 million worth of illegal drugs and a firearm in a separate operation in Minalabac.

At around 1:40 p.m. on January 25, police led by PMaj Engelbert L. Toraldo, Chief of Police, conducted a raid at Sitio Luya, Barangay Lourdes, Baao, Camarines Sur, resulting in the arrest of five bettors engaged in illegal cockfighting or “tupada.” Authorities confiscated Php 5,550 in bet money, 12 gaffs, 11 live fighting cocks, and 14 dead fighting cocks.

The arrested individuals were identified in their aliases as: “Markus,” 27, single, unemployed, resident of Baao; “Padi,” 44, married, farmer, resident of Baao; “Tony,” 55, married, construction worker, resident of Iriga City; “Pedro,” 64, married, unemployed, resident of Iriga City; and “Enso,” 68, married, resident of Baao.

All five face charges for Violation of PD 449 as amended by PD 1602. They were apprised of their constitutional rights and brought to Baao MPS along with the confiscated evidence for proper disposition.

“This accomplishment aligns with the Focused Agenda of the Acting Chief, PNP, on Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO),” said PCOL Virgilio O. Olalia Jr., Provincial Director of Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office, emphasizing the province’s strict implementation of anti-illegal gambling measures.

Drug bust in Minalabac

In a separate operation, Provincial Intel Operatives, together with Minalabac MPS personnel and in coordination with PDEA-Rov, executed Search Warrant No. 2026-002 on January 20, 2026, at the residence of a High-Value Individual (HVI) suspect, alias “Nonon,” 46, in Minalabac, Camarines Sur. The operation was part of COPLAN 2026-77 TARPAN targeting illegal drugs violations under RA 9165.

Authorities confiscated 148.2 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride (“shabu”) with an estimated street value of Php 1,007,760, along with one caliber 45 pistol (ARMSCOR, Serial No. 2169977) loaded with four live rounds. The seized items included 37 heat-sealed plastic sachets containing the suspected shabu.

The marking and inventory of the items were conducted at the suspect’s residence in the presence of the suspect and an insulating witness. Operatives also used Body-Worn Cameras (BWC) during the raid.

“Police Col. Olalia lauded the exemplary efforts of the Provincial Intel Operatives for this accomplishment as part of the relentless campaign against illegal drugs in Camarines Sur,” the PNP reported.

Both operations demonstrate the continued efforts of Camarines Sur police in curbing illegal gambling and drug activities across the province under the EMPO framework.