DAVAO CITY - A former barangay official and three others were arrested by operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA XI) in an anti illegal drug operation Sunday morning at Purok Two, Barangay Communal, Buhangin District this city.

One of those arrested was identified as Arnold Maalat, a former barangay chairman and an incumbent barangay councilor.

Seized from the suspects were sachets of suspected illegal drugs (shabu), drug paraphernalia, undetermined caliber of firearms and explosive.

Maalat and three other companions were under the custody of PDEA XI while authorities are still finalizing cases to be filed against the suspects.

Maalat was the first high value target nabbed by PDEA XI under its new Regional Director, Retired Senior Superintendent Antonio Rivera.