BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — A Bacolod-based vlogger and the vlogger’s live-in partner were arrested during a Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency–Negros Island Region (PDEA-NIR) buy-bust operation in Barangay 10, Bacolod City, on Tuesday, August 25, authorities and local reports said.
The operation was conducted in Purok Magtiayon at around 2:50 to 3 p.m., according to reports from Panay News and Digicast Negros.
PDEA-NIR reportedly identified the two suspects as alleged targets in the illegal drug trade. Authorities recovered 13 sachets containing approximately 50 grams of suspected shabu, with a reported standard drug price of ₱340,000.
Other items reportedly recovered
Aside from the suspected illegal drugs, Digicast Negros reported that operatives also seized an improvised tooter containing suspected drug residue, buy-bust money, two cellular phones, eight bank books, five ATM cards, two lighters, pouches and a shoulder bag.
The operation involved PDEA personnel and supporting units, including the agency’s Regional Special Enforcement Team, the PNP Drug Enforcement Group–Special Operations Unit NIR and Bacolod City Police Station 2.
Suspects deny involvement
The suspects reportedly denied involvement in illegal drug activities.
Panay News reported that the vlogger maintained innocence following the arrest. The report also quoted Barangay 10 village chief Melvin Bravo as saying that the two were not on the barangay’s list of individuals being monitored by the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC).
Bombo Radyo Bacolod, meanwhile, reported that the family of the vlogger believed the evidence may have been planted. That allegation remains an assertion from the family and should not be treated as an established fact unless supported by evidence or a finding from the proper authorities or court.
Charges filed under the Dangerous Drugs Act
The suspects are facing complaints under Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Reports from Bombo Radyo and Digicast Negros indicate that the complaints involve provisions covering the sale and possession of dangerous drugs, with Digicast additionally reporting a complaint under Section 12 involving possession of drug paraphernalia.
The suspected drugs were reportedly submitted for laboratory examination as authorities proceeded with the case.
Reports differ on the suspects’ identities
There is an important discrepancy among the initial reports concerning the identities used for the suspects.
Panay News identified the vlogger only as alias “Jose” and the partner as alias “Chris.” Digicast Negros used aliases “Joselito” and “Christian,” while Bombo Radyo Bacolod identified the vlogger as Julia Peruelo and the partner as alias Christian.
Because of those differences, the safest editorial practice is to use the aliases or descriptions officially confirmed by PDEA-NIR until a verified court document or official agency statement establishes the identities.
The case remains subject to the legal process, and the allegations against the two suspects have yet to be proven in court.
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