In a resolute move to uphold the law, personnel from the Placer Municipal Police Station (MPS) arrested two individuals at a Comelec checkpoint in Placer town, Surigao del Norte, on January 12. The suspects were apprehended for violations of Republic Act (R.A.) 4136, also known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, and R.A. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Provincial Director PCOL Warren E. Dablo identified the arrested individuals as a 21-year-old resident of Barangay Nabago, Surigao City, and a 29-year-old resident of Barangay Magsaysay, Placer town. Both are small-scale miners.
According to the police report, the checkpoint operation, conducted around 1:00 AM near Purok New Mine Site in Barangay Magsaysay, was part of the police’s adherence to Comelec guidelines for maintaining order during the election period. Officers flagged down a motorcycle carrying the two men after they failed to present legal documents and displayed suspicious behavior. This led to a thorough search that uncovered suspected illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia.
The confiscated items included one heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing 0.5 grams of suspected shabu, valued at Php 3,400.00, as well as one improvised needle, one aluminum foil, eight Php 100 bills, one Php 50 bill, four lighters, and a motorcycle without a registered license plate.
“We sincerely appeal to the public to become responsive to our guidelines, abide by the ruling, and respect the personnel who administer the job for the community’s safety and security. When the situation seems to go against the prescribed law, we’ll use our effort to enforce it rightfully without hesitation,” said PD Dablo in a statement.
The two suspects are currently under the custody of the Placer MPS as authorities prepare to file appropriate charges against them. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts of the Placer police to combat criminality and ensure public safety within the community.
