DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao del Norte — Two alleged carnapping suspects were arrested following a hot pursuit operation by police in Barangay Poblacion Dalican on Thursday night, January 8, 2026, with illegal drugs and other incriminating items recovered from their possession.
The suspects were identified by Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station (DOS MPS) Chief, PLtCol. Esmael Madin, as Daud Gandawali Matabalao and Lacmudin Esmael Ibad, both of legal age and residents of MB Tamontaka, Cotabato City.
Their arrest stemmed from a reported motornapping incident that occurred at around 3:15 p.m. in Barangay Labungan, Datu Odin Sinsuat. The victim immediately reported the robbery-holdup to authorities, prompting police to launch a hot pursuit operation.
At around 8:00 p.m., responding police units intercepted the suspects near the Old Market area in Barangay Poblacion Dalican. The victim later positively identified them as the perpetrators who allegedly held him up and took his motorcycle.
Recovered from the suspects were a black Bajaj CT100 motorcycle, a sling bag containing documents and assorted IDs, and a plastic replica of a handgun used during the crime.
During the body search, police also seized a medium-sized plastic sachet containing approximately five grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of ₱34,000, along with two improvised glass tooters. The illegal drugs were found in the possession of suspect Lacmudin Ibad, while Matabalao was also found carrying a glass tooter.
The suspects are currently detained at the DOS MPS custodial facility and are facing charges for carnapping under Republic Act 10883 and violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165).
PLtCol. Madin commended the swift response of his personnel and reiterated the police’s commitment to intensifying operations against criminal elements in the municipality.
“This arrest sends a strong message that we will not tolerate crimes that threaten the safety of our communities,” Madin said.
Police are continuing their investigation to determine whether the suspects are involved in other similar incidents in the area.