Maitum, Sarangani Province – A concerned citizen’s report led to the arrest of an individual for illegal drugs along the National Highway of Purok 5, Barangay Old Poblacion, Maitum, on January 22, 2025, according to the Sarangani Police Provincial Office (PPO).
The Maitum Municipal Police Station (MPS) responded to a shooting incident at the same location, involving two individuals identified only as alias “Joe” and alias “Boy,” both residents of Kiamba, Sarangani Province. Initial investigations revealed that the two were traveling on a Kawasaki Bajaj 125 motorcycle when two unidentified male suspects on a Yamaha Aerox 155 motorcycle opened fire using an unknown caliber firearm.
Alias “Joe” sustained a gunshot wound to the left chest, while “Boy” escaped unscathed and promptly informed the victim’s family. “Joe” was rushed to the Sarangani Provincial Hospital-Maitum for medical treatment.
During their response at the hospital, Maitum MPS officers discovered illegal drugs in “Joe’s” possession. They confiscated twelve small heat-sealed sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, with a total weight of approximately 2.382 grams and an estimated street value of Php 16,197.00. Additionally, a perfume tube containing about 1 gram of the same substance, valued at Php 6,800.00, was recovered.
The suspect was apprised of his constitutional rights and now faces charges for violating Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 12 (Possession of Drug Paraphernalia) under Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Meanwhile, the unidentified shooters fled towards Barangay Malalag, Maitum. Authorities are intensifying efforts to identify and apprehend the suspects.
The Sarangani PPO assured the public of their dedication to delivering justice and maintaining peace and order in the province. Investigations into the incident and the pursuit of the suspects remain ongoing.
