January 6, 2025 | Matanog, Maguindanao Del Norte
Two suspects were arrested during an anti-illegal drug operation conducted by the Matanog Municipal Police Station (MPS) early Monday morning. The operation took place at Sitio Baslay, Barangay Langkong, Matanog, at around 8:35 AM.
The arrested individuals were identified as Rasol S. Mamalacat, 21, married, and Amiril B. Kusain, of legal age and single. Both are residents of Barangay Tugaig, Barira, Maguindanao Del Norte. Meanwhile, a third suspect, Peo Kusain Pangandamen, managed to evade arrest and remains at large.
The operation was launched after an undercover police agent successfully completed a buy-bust transaction with the suspects. Officers from the Matanog MPS Drug Enforcement Unit (MDEU), led by Police Lieutenant Junior S. Abbas, swiftly proceeded to the location, resulting in the apprehension of Mamalacat and Kusain.
Seized during the operation were 17 small heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu, weighing approximately 0.1 grams with an estimated street value of PHP 5,400. Additionally, the police confiscated the following items:
- One flashlight
- Four lighters
- One Nokia 3310 keypad cellphone
- Twenty-two pieces of aluminum foil
- Two cardholder wallets
- PHP 500 in cash
- One weather tool
- One pink coin purse
- One tactical sling bag
The arrested suspects were informed of their constitutional rights and are currently in police custody at the Matanog MPS, along with the confiscated drug and non-drug items.
Authorities are now preparing the necessary charges against the suspects as investigations continue. Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to locate the third suspect who escaped during the operation.