Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur – March 19, 2025 – A joint checkpoint operation conducted by the Ampatuan Municipal Police Station and the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office resulted in the arrest of a suspected drug personality, identified as Alias Datu, on Wednesday afternoon.
The operation, which took place at around 4:50 PM along the National Highway in Brgy. Saniag, was based on intelligence information received by the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) of MDSPPO. Reports indicated that the suspect was allegedly transporting illegal drugs from a nearby municipality to Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat, using a motorcycle.
During the checkpoint, a tricycle suspected to be associated with the suspect was flagged down for inspection. As police officers conducted verification, the suspect attempted to seize a firearm from one of the officers. In response, a personnel from PIU MDSPPO discharged his firearm, resulting in a gunshot wound to the suspect’s hand.
Authorities immediately provided medical assistance and rushed the suspect to IPHO-Maguindanao Hospital for treatment. A subsequent protective search led to the recovery of approximately 3.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, with an estimated street value of Php 25,000. Proper inventory and documentation of the seized drugs were conducted in the presence of mandatory witnesses.
The suspect remains under medical care while legal procedures are being prepared. Law enforcement officials reiterated their commitment to intensifying anti-drug operations and called for continued community cooperation in combating illegal drug activities in the region.
