ISABELA CITY, Basilan — A 29-year-old wanted man was arrested during a predawn anti-drug operation in Barangay Makiri, Isabela City, on October 24, while two other suspects escaped following an armed encounter with government operatives, authorities said.
The operation was conducted at around 3 a.m. by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office IX (PDEA RO9), through its Isabela City Office, with support from the Isabela City Police Station, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9 (RMFB 9), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), particularly the 19th Special Forces Company of the 6th Special Forces Battalion, Special Forces Regiment (Airborne).
Arrested was alias “Tan-tan,” 29, a resident of Barangay Makiri, who was reportedly wanted under an outstanding warrant of arrest for an alleged violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Authorities said the operation also targeted alias “Foks” and his companions. However, the other suspects allegedly opened fire on the operating personnel, triggering a brief exchange of gunfire.
Taking advantage of the darkness and thick vegetation surrounding the area, the suspects reportedly fled and took cover in nearby bushland, evading arrest despite efforts by the operating team to pursue them.
Suspected shabu worth ₱102,000 seized
During the operation, authorities recovered one heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu.
The suspected illegal drug weighed approximately 15 grams and had an estimated standard drug value of ₱102,000, according to the operation report. Buy-bust money was also seized.
The recovered substance will undergo forensic examination to establish its identity and confirm whether it is an illegal drug. The reported weight and estimated value remain subject to the results of the examination and applicable evidentiary procedures.
Manhunt underway for fleeing suspects
Authorities said follow-up operations are ongoing to locate and arrest alias “Foks” and his companions, who remain at large.
The incident underscores the risks encountered by law enforcement personnel during anti-drug operations, particularly when suspects allegedly resort to armed resistance.
Meanwhile, the arrest of alias “Tan-tan” and the recovery of the suspected shabu form part of the operation’s immediate results. Further details regarding the arrested man’s case, the circumstances surrounding the armed encounter, and any possible additional charges against the fleeing suspects were not provided in the available report.
The allegations against the arrested individual and the other suspects remain subject to the appropriate legal proceedings. The seized substance must also undergo forensic examination before its identity can be conclusively established.