Northern Kabuntalan, Maguindanao del Norte — Instead of celebrating Christmas with their families, three men — including the chief barangay tanod — ended up behind bars after they were caught in the act of using illegal drugs on December 25, 2025, at Astrero Farm, Purok Talingge, Barangay Indatuan.
Northern Kabuntalan Police Chief, PLT Amerham Isnain, identified the arrested suspects as:
• Antonio Arabis Bentoy, 44, Chief Tanod/Chief BPAT
• Samsodin Kagubatan Sangeban, 35, self-employed
• Loreto Pascua Astrero, 46, farmer
All are residents of Northern Kabuntalan.
Police were conducting an Anti-Criminality Checkpoint in Brgy. Paulino Labio when they received a call from a concerned citizen reporting an ongoing pot session in the area. Responding officers proceeded to the location and caught the suspects red-handed, allegedly smoking suspected shabu.
Seized items include:
- One half-open heat-sealed sachet containing suspected shabu
- Two empty sachets with suspected shabu residue
- One improvised tooter with residue
- Four disposable lighters
The suspects admitted to using illegal drugs, according to the report.
They are now detained at the Northern Kabuntalan custodial facility and will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
PLT Isnain reiterated that Northern Kabuntalan Mayor Datu Umbra Dilangalen has ordered tightened enforcement against illegal drugs and warned that no individual — including barangay officials — will be spared.
“It is time to stop this vice that destroys lives and peace in our communities,” Isnain stated.