Lanao del Norte law enforcement teams achieved significant victories in the fight against illegal drugs and criminality on November 22, 2024. Two separate operations, led by composite units, resulted in the arrest of a drug suspect and a wanted individual for murder.
In the first operation, a joint anti-illegal drug effort conducted by Maigo Municipal Police Station (MPS), the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (LDNPPO), and the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) targeted a residence in Purok-1, Labuay, Maigo. Acting on Search Warrant No. 24-0075, issued by Hon. Ali Ombra R. Bacaraman, Executive Judge of RTC Branch 4, Iligan City, the team apprehended a 36-year-old suspect, alias “Choychoy.”
The search, conducted in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), yielded various items believed to be used in illegal drug activities. Confiscated from the suspect’s residence were five sachets of suspected shabu weighing 0.1515 grams with an estimated street value of PHP 1,030.00, along with drug paraphernalia, cash, and other items.
The suspect, a jobless resident of Labuay, Maigo, now faces charges for violating Section 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002). He is currently in the custody of Maigo MPS for further documentation and legal proceedings.
Commending the operation, PCOL Roy A. Magsalay, Provincial Director of LDNPPO, stated: “This operation underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat the illegal drug trade and uphold the rule of law. The collaboration among different units demonstrates the effectiveness of joint efforts in addressing the challenges posed by illegal drugs in our communities.”
In another noteworthy accomplishment on the same day, the Anti-Kidnapping Group-Victims Family Unit (AKG-VFU) Iloilo Satellite Office, in collaboration with several units, including San Jose MPS-Antique PPO, 62nd Special Action Company of the PNP-SAF, and PIU LDNPPO, apprehended a 31-year-old suspect wanted for murder.
The individual, a resident of Brgy. Jamparan, Munai, Lanao del Norte, was arrested through the service of a warrant issued on September 2, 2014, by Hon. Ali M. Balindong, Presiding Judge of RTC Branch 5, Iligan City. The warrant, under Criminal Case No. 17649, carried no bail recommendation. The arrested individual was transported to San Jose MPS, Antique PPO, for disposition pending the return of the warrant to the issuing court.
PCOL Magsalay praised the seamless coordination among units involved in the murder suspect’s apprehension. “This successful operation underscores the commitment of LDN PPO to uphold the law and ensure that violators are held liable,” he said.
These consecutive achievements demonstrate the unwavering dedication of law enforcement agencies in Lanao del Norte to safeguarding the public from both illegal drugs and violent crimes.
