LANAO DEL SUR — Vigilant police and military operations led to the arrest of four individuals suspected of drug-related offenses in two separate checkpoint incidents in the province on April 24 and 25, 2025.
At around 10:40 PM on April 24, personnel from Wao Municipal Police Station (MPS) flagged down a northbound Honda XRM125 motorcycle during a routine checkpoint along the National Highway in Purok 7, Barangay East Kili-kili, Wao. The motorcycle, occupied by two male residents of Barangay Bayabason, Maramag, Bukidnon, was subjected to inspection when two plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance, suspected to be shabu, fell to the ground after the back rider was asked to remove his helmet.
The officers swiftly arrested both individuals for constructive possession. A further search of their belongings uncovered five more heat-sealed sachets containing suspected shabu, weighing approximately three grams with an estimated street value of Php 20,000. Authorities also recovered an improvised tooter and the Honda XRM125 motorcycle (Plate No. K238CR) used by the suspects.
Proper markings, inventory, and photo documentation were conducted on-site, witnessed by the Chairman of Barangay East Kili-kili and a media representative. The suspects were then brought to Wao District Hospital for medical examination before being placed under custody at Wao MPS for proper documentation and filing of charges.
Meanwhile, at around 10:00 PM the following day, April 25, a joint checkpoint operation by AFP and PNP personnel in front of the CAA Detachment in Barangay Proper Beta, Lumbaca Unayan, also led to the arrest of two more individuals. The suspects, both residents of Barangay Mayaman, Marogong, initially hesitated when flagged down, prompting officers to conduct a thorough verification.
During inspection, the driver opened his bag, revealing in plain view a plastic sachet believed to contain shabu. Authorities arrested both suspects and, upon further search, recovered 10 heat-sealed sachets of suspected shabu weighing about one gram with a street value of Php 6,800, two mobile phones, a disposable lighter, an improvised tooter, a black Venom bag, a purple wallet containing Php 3,000, and the Honda XRM125 motorcycle they used.
Inventory and proper documentation of the confiscated items were done on-site, witnessed by a Barangay Kagawad of Proper Beta and an elected SB Member, ensuring transparency.
The suspects were apprised of their constitutional rights and were brought to Lumbaca Unayan MPS for booking. Appropriate charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (RA 9165) are now being prepared against them.
PCOL Robert S. Daculan, Provincial Director of the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (LDSPPO), commended both Wao MPS and Lumbaca Unayan MPS, along with their AFP counterparts, for their dedication, vigilance, and commitment to the ongoing campaign to keep communities safe and drug-free.