Wao, Lanao del Sur – January 22, 2025
Philippine National Police (PNP) officials, led by Police Colonel Robert S. Daculan, Provincial Director of the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (LDSPPO), commended the exemplary performance of personnel from the 3rd Platoon, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), Wao Municipal Police Station (MPS), and the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU)/Provincial Special Operations Group (PSOG) of LDSPPO. The joint law enforcement operation, conducted through a COMELEC checkpoint along the Amai Manabilang-Wao road in Purok 2, Barangay West Kili-kili, Wao, led to the arrest of a suspected drug trafficker on January 20, 2025.
The operation, which began around 1:30 PM, unfolded when a Yamaha XTZ motorcycle approached the checkpoint but hesitated upon seeing the authorities. Instead of complying, the driver attempted to speed past the checkpoint, prompting swift action from the PNP personnel. They successfully blocked the suspect’s path approximately 10 meters from the initial checkpoint, preventing a potential escape.
Upon confrontation, the driver displayed signs of disobedience and erratic behavior. When questioned about the contents of his belt bag, the suspect became evasive, raising further suspicion. The officers arrested the individual for violating Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) for disobedience to lawful authority. The suspect was informed of the nature of his arrest and his constitutional rights in a dialect he understood.
During a subsequent search of the belt bag, conducted in the presence of Barangay officials and local media as witnesses, officers discovered:
- One (1) black belt bag containing:
- A sealed package wrapped in scotch tape and brown paper
- A transparent plastic cellophane tied with a knot
- A heat-sealed transparent sachet containing approximately 300 grams of white crystalline substance, believed to be shabu (methamphetamine).
The estimated street value of the seized illegal drugs is PHP 2,040,000.00.
The suspect, identified as a resident of Purok 5, Barangay Macaopao, Kalilangan, Bukidnon, along with the confiscated evidence, was transported to Wao MPS for documentation and appropriate legal procedures.
PCOL Daculan lauded the vigilance and professionalism of the involved personnel, emphasizing that their decisive actions not only prevented the escape of a suspect but also removed a significant quantity of illegal drugs from circulation. He reiterated the PNP’s commitment to maintaining peace, order, and public safety through relentless anti-crime and anti-drug operations.
This successful operation underscores the importance of collaboration between police units and the community in combating illegal drug activities and safeguarding local communities.