Two men arrested in Cauayan drug raid; one escaped and still at large

CAUAYAN CITY, Isabela — Two alleged street-level drug personalities were arrested while a third suspect escaped and is now being pursued following a police operation in Barangay District 1, Cauayan City, Isabela, on September 16, 2026.

The arrested suspects, identified by their aliases “Toto,” 46, a helper, and “Nardo,” 46, a tricycle driver, are both residents of the area. Their companion, identified only as “Juan,” managed to flee during the operation and remains at large.

The operation was conducted around 3:20 p.m. at Purok 7B following information received by the Cauayan City Police Station from a concerned citizen about an alleged drug session involving three men inside a bunkhouse.

Police said the information indicated that the men were allegedly using suspected illegal drugs by inhaling smoke.

Personnel from the Cauayan CPS Duty Tactical Operations Center were dispatched to verify the report. Upon reaching the area, the police, assisted by the confidential informant, proceeded to the bunkhouse and allegedly saw three men inside through a partially open window.

The officers identified themselves as police and moved to arrest the men. However, one of the three suspects reportedly ran away and escaped, while “Toto” and “Nardo” were arrested.

During the operation, police also spotted a .38-caliber revolver placed on a divider and within the immediate reach of the suspects. The firearm was found unloaded and had no visible serial number, according to the police report.

Police recovered a small heat-sealed transparent sachet containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu, another empty sachet with residue, three rolled aluminum foils, seven folded aluminum foils, one unused aluminum foil, two lighters, a stainless tweezers, a city ID, a Realme mobile phone with a red casing, and the .38-caliber revolver.

The seized items were marked, inventoried and photographed at the scene in the presence of the arrested suspects and witnesses, including a representative of the Department of Justice and a barangay councilor of Barangay District 1.

The two arrested suspects and the seized evidence were brought to the Cauayan City Police Station for documentation, investigation and proper disposition.

The suspects are facing possible charges for violations of Sections 11, 12 and 15, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Authorities continue to pursue the escaped suspect, “Juan,” as the investigation into the incident proceeds.

Isabela Police Provincial Director PCOL Manuel Bayani Bringas said the police will continue to conduct intelligence-driven and lawful operations against illegal drugs and loose firearms while observing proper procedures and respecting the rights of individuals.