Marawi City, Lanao del Sur – A joint operation led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) BARMM Regional Special Enforcement Team (RSET) resulted in the confiscation of illegal drugs worth ₱3.4 million and the arrest of a school teacher and four other individuals during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Rapasun, Marawi City, on November 22, 2024.
The operation, conducted in collaboration with the Special Action Force BARMM, 1402nd Regional Mobile Force Battalion, the Marawi City Police Station, and the Department of Security Service at Mindanao State University, highlights the continued vigilance against illegal drug activities in the region.
Arrested Suspects
The authorities identified the suspects as:
- Fatima Pangcoga Oranggaga (alias “Fats”), 42, female, a school teacher.
- Hania Alcantara Delinogun, 57, female.
- Esmael Antal Mamarinta, 27, male, a resident of Barangay Delimbayan, Maguing, Lanao del Sur.
- Alfatah P. Oranggaga (alias “Fatah”), 20, male.
- Juhaifa Pangcoga Oranggaga, female.
- One female minor, whose identity is withheld for legal and privacy reasons.
Confiscated Items
The operation yielded the following items:
- Five transparent plastic bags containing approximately 500 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride (Shabu).
- Buy-bust money.
- Five mobile phones.
- Various identification cards.
- One red and black Revo vehicle believed to be used in illegal drug activities.
The confiscated drugs have an estimated street value of ₱3,400,000.
Legal Actions and Custody
The suspects are currently detained at the PDEA Jail Facility, awaiting inquest proceedings for violations of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Meanwhile, the rescued minor has been turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for proper care and rehabilitation.
Collaborative Efforts
This operation underscores the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies in addressing the illegal drug trade in the region. PDEA BARMM acknowledged the vital support of the Special Action Force BARMM, 1402nd Regional Mobile Force Battalion, Marawi City Police Station, and the Department of Security Service at Mindanao State University in ensuring the success of the mission.
The PDEA BARMM reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying anti-drug operations and maintaining public safety in the Bangsamoro region.
