A school principal in the municipality of Quezon was apprehended by operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in a buy-bust operation conducted at Purok Daisy, Barangay Alfonso XIII, on Sunday, December 1, at 12:15 p.m.
The suspect, identified as Christopher Galera, 42, principal of Quezon Elementary School, is tagged as a high-value target (HVT) in Palawan. According to PDEA, Galera had been under surveillance for months after being identified as a source of illegal drugs in the area. However, he managed to elude authorities until the recent operation.
During the buy-bust, Galera was caught selling 0.71 grams of suspected shabu worth ₱3,000 to a poseur buyer. The transaction took place in the vicinity of his residence, where he allegedly coordinated drug transactions.
Recovered from the suspect were the buy-bust money amounting to ₱3,000, including marked bills, and a Yamaha MIOi125 motorcycle used in the operation.
Initial reports indicate that Galera supplied illegal drugs to multiple individuals in the area, who then distributed them to buyers.
PDEA Palawan, in coordination with the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit and the Quezon Municipal Police Station, led the operation.
The suspect faces charges for violating Section 5 of Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Galera is currently under PDEA custody as authorities prepare the necessary legal documentation.
Despite resisting arrest, the operation concluded without injuries to law enforcement personnel. Further investigation into Galera’s network is ongoing.
