Camp Hon. Vicente L. Pimentel Sr., Tandag City – In a continued effort to combat illegal drug activities, the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO), through its Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (SDSPDEU) and in collaboration with the Lianga Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 13, conducted a buy-bust operation that led to the arrest of six individuals.
The operation took place on March 24, 2025, at around 6:00 PM in Barangay Poblacion, Lianga, Surigao del Sur. Provincial Director PCOL Harry B. Domingo identified the arrested individuals as follows:
- “Jay,” 20, a student from Barangay Tres, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur
- “Ron,” 23, a bar-crew worker from Bayugan 2, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur
- “Jose,” 20, a student from Barangay Tres, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur
- “AJ,” 20, unemployed, from Barangay Vedkor, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur
- “Ry,” 23, a freelancer from Barangay Five, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur
- “Rick,” 20, a student from Barangay Maygatasan, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur
Authorities recovered several items during the operation, including four heat-sealed plastic sachets containing dried leaves believed to be marijuana, with an estimated weight of 1,000 grams and a street value of PHP 120,000. Other confiscated items included a PHP 500 bill used as buy-bust money, a roll of paper, a small plastic zip pouch, a weighing scale, disposable lighters, a smoke pipe, aluminum foil, and three Android cellphones.
The operation was conducted in an orderly manner, with the presence of a Barangay Kagawad from Barangay Poblacion, a media representative, and a representative from the Department of Justice (DOJ) to ensure transparency. The suspects were informed of their constitutional rights under the Miranda Warning and the Anti-Torture Act and are currently in the custody of Lianga MPS.
PCOL Domingo emphasized SDSPPO’s unwavering commitment to the fight against illegal drugs. “This successful operation is a testament to our dedication to maintaining peace, order, and safety within our communities. We express our gratitude to the public for their continued support and cooperation, as community involvement is vital in sustaining a drug-free environment,” he stated.
He further assured that the SDSPPO would continue intensifying its anti-drug operations and strengthening partnerships to create a safer Surigao del Sur.
