Tandag City, Surigao del Sur – In a concerted effort to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and curb illegal drug activities, the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO) has successfully executed an anti-illegal drug operation, leading to the arrest of 12 suspects and the confiscation of PHP 340,000 worth of suspected shabu.
Acting under the authority of a search warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court, 11th Judicial Region, Branch 41, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, personnel from the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) and Marihatag Municipal Police Station (MPS), led by PCPT Emil S. Barro, conducted the operation on February 13, 2025. The effort resulted in the capture of seven High-Value Individuals (HVI) and five Street-Level Individuals (SLI), as well as the seizure of 50 grams of suspected shabu.
Provincial Director PCOL Harry B. Domingo identified the arrested individuals as follows:
- A.k.a “Pepot” (HVI), male, 51, jobless, former CAFGU, resident of Brgy. Santa Cruz, Marihatag.
- A.k.a “Evelyn” (SLI), female, 41, jobless, resident of Brgy. Santa Cruz, Marihatag.
- A.k.a “Arben” (HVI), male, 40, jobless, former CAFGU, resident of Brgy. Unidad, Cagwait.
- A.k.a “Richard” (SLI), male, 43, jobless, resident of Brgy. San Pedro, Marihatag.
- A.k.a “Benjie” (HVI), male, 42, jobless, resident of Brgy. Mararag, Marihatag.
- A.k.a “Diego” (HVI), male, 44, fisherman, resident of Brgy. Santa Cruz, Marihatag.
- A.k.a “Ruel” (SLI), male, 37, farmer, resident of Brgy. Mararag, Marihatag.
- A.k.a “Jose” (HVI), male, 51, farmer, resident of Brgy. Santa Cruz, Marihatag.
- A.k.a “John” (SLI), male, 37, farmer, resident of Brgy. Santo Niño, San Agustin.
- A.k.a “Robert” (SLI), male, 33, farmer, resident of Brgy. Poblacion, Marihatag.
- A.k.a “Ruel” (HVI), male, 38, barber, resident of Brgy. Santa Cruz, Marihatag.
- A.k.a “Nomer” (HVI), male, 36, jobless, resident of Brgy. Mararag, Marihatag.
During the operation, authorities seized various contraband from the premises of a.k.a “Pepot,” including five sachets of suspected shabu, a hand grenade, a cellphone, and drug paraphernalia. Additionally, a.k.a “Arben” was found in possession of a .45 caliber Colt 1911 pistol with two magazines and ten live rounds of ammunition.
The inventory and documentation of the confiscated items were conducted in an orderly manner in the presence of barangay officials from Brgy. Santa Cruz, Marihatag, and a media representative. The arrested individuals were informed of their constitutional rights under the Miranda Warning and the Anti-Torture Act before being placed under the custody of Marihatag MPS.
PCOL Domingo highlighted the significance of the operation, stating, “This accomplishment reflects our unwavering commitment to both the safety of our communities and the integrity of our electoral process. By decisively cracking down on illegal drugs and strictly enforcing the gun ban, we are making our province safer and our elections more secure.”
The SDSPPO continues to urge public support in its mission to combat criminality and ensure a peaceful and orderly Surigao del Sur.
