MAMBAJAO, Camiguin — A 43-year-old retired military personnel turned businessman was arrested during a joint anti-drug and law enforcement operation that led to the seizure of illegal drugs and a cache of firearms on the evening of April 23 in Barangay Magting here.
The operation, conducted at around 7:17 p.m., was carried out through the implementation of a search warrant by a composite team from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region X, including its Camiguin and Misamis Oriental Provincial Offices and the Regional Special Enforcement Team-Alpha. They were joined by personnel from the Camiguin Police Provincial Office, the Mambajao Municipal Police Station, and the Camiguin Provincial Mobile Force Platoon.
Authorities identified the suspect as a resident of the said barangay. He was apprehended after operatives served the warrant and conducted a thorough search of his premises.
Seized during the operation were five heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu with a total estimated weight of 12 grams and a Standard Drug Price (SDP) of ₱81,600. Also recovered were multiple firearms, including a caliber .38 revolver, a 9mm Taurus pistol, an M4 rifle with two magazines, and two caliber .45 pistols—one Para Ordnance and one CZ 87—along with assorted live ammunition of various calibers. A Redmi Android mobile phone was also confiscated.
The suspect is currently under the custody of the Mambajao Municipal Police Station as authorities complete documentation and legal procedures.
Charges for violations of Section 11, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165 and Republic Act No. 10591 are being prepared against the suspect.
All confiscated drug evidence will be submitted to the PDEA Laboratory Service for qualitative and quantitative examination. The suspect will also undergo mandatory drug testing in line with standard protocol.
Authorities underscored that the successful operation highlights the continued coordination among law enforcement agencies in curbing the proliferation of illegal drugs and unlicensed firearms in the region.