Pandami, Sulu – In a decisive operation under OPLAN “Pagtugis,” joint operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) successfully captured two high-value drug suspects following an armed encounter in Sitio Ratag, Barangay Baligtang, Pandami, Sulu. The operation was in line with the directive of the Chief of the Philippine National Police, PGen. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, to intensify efforts against criminality.
CIDG Acting Director, Police Brigadier General Nicolas D. Torre III, identified the suspects as alias “Tulo” and alias “Abubasar,” both of whom had escaped from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Zamboanga City Office Detention Facility in May 2024. The fugitives were wanted for multiple violations, including the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165) and the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (RA 10591).
The operation, led by CIDG Zamboanga Provincial Field Unit (PFU) in coordination with CIDG Regional Field Unit 9 (RFU9), CIDG Sulu, the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) Sulu PPO, and PDEA, commenced early in the morning and lasted between 8:45 AM and 11:46 AM. Upon arriving at the suspects’ location, the police forces were met with gunfire, prompting them to engage in a controlled defensive response.
Both suspects sustained injuries during the shootout and were given immediate medical assistance. They were transported to Pandami Rural Health Unit for treatment, with alias “Abubasar” later being transferred to Siasi District Hospital due to the severity of his injuries. Despite their injuries, both suspects remain in police custody.
Recovered from the suspects were a .45 caliber pistol, a magazine with live ammunition, and an M1 Garand rifle. The manhunt operation was conducted under full legal compliance, including the service of a warrant issued by Hon. Shaldilyn B. Bangsaja, Presiding Judge of Branch 33, Regional Trial Court (RTC), Zamboanga City.
The two suspects are notorious for their involvement in large-scale illegal drug operations in the region. Alias “Tulo” was implicated in a massive drug bust on May 2, 2024, which resulted in the confiscation of over 21.4 kilos of shabu, valued at Php 145.5 million. Meanwhile, alias “Abubasar” was previously arrested on March 2, 2024, during a separate operation that led to the seizure of 2 kilos of shabu, valued at Php 1.9 million.
“Their capture marks a significant breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to dismantle high-profile criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking in the region,” said PBGen. Torre III. “The CIDG remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding justice and ensuring the safety of communities by neutralizing criminal threats. Patuloy ang imbestigasyon, at magbibigay kami ng karagdagang updates habang may mga bagong impormasyon, dahil sa bagong Pilipinas ang gusto ng Pulis, ligtas ka!”
The successful operation highlights the ongoing efforts of the PNP and its partner agencies in tracking down fugitives and dismantling organized criminal operations, reinforcing the government’s commitment to a safer and more secure Philippines.
