Talitay, Maguindanao del Norte — May 20, 2025
A swift police operation conducted by the Talitay Municipal Police Station on Tuesday evening led to the seizure of suspected illegal drugs following a tip-off from a barangay official in Barangay Manggay.
According to reports, the operation took place around 8:45 PM after the Barangay Chairman alerted authorities about a suspicious male individual seen by a member of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) inside an abandoned building. Police officers, led by Officer-in-Charge PCPT Charlie A. Mahait, immediately responded to the call.
Upon sensing the arrival of law enforcement, the suspect—identified as a 36-year-old jobless resident of Barangay Manggay—fled the scene. He remains at large and is now the subject of a manhunt. Authorities have tagged him as a newly identified street-level drug personality in the area.
Recovered from the scene were the following items:
- One heat-sealed plastic sachet containing suspected shabu weighing approximately 0.70 grams, with an estimated street value of ₱4,760.00;
- Two disposable lighters; and
- Three pieces of assorted aluminum foil.
The inventory and marking of the seized items were conducted on-site in compliance with Section 21 of Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The procedure was witnessed by the Chief of BPAT of Barangay Manggay. However, attempts to secure additional barangay officials and a media representative were unsuccessful despite repeated calls.
PCOL Eleuterio M. Ricardo Jr., Provincial Director of the Maguindanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (PPO), commended the local police for their prompt response. “This operation is a clear reflection of our intensified efforts to curb the illegal drug trade in our province. We commend the cooperation between our personnel and the barangay patrols. While the suspect remains at large, the recovery of illegal substances is a critical step toward dismantling street-level distribution networks,” he said.
The confiscated evidence has been turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for chemical analysis and proper disposition.
Authorities continue to urge residents to support efforts in eradicating illegal drugs by reporting suspicious activities in their communities.