SULTAN DUMALONDONG, LANAO DEL SUR — In a major blow to the illegal drug trade, authorities seized and destroyed an estimated Php 900,000 worth of marijuana during a joint anti-illegal drug operation on the morning of June 19, 2025.
The operation, conducted from 6:30 AM to 8:40 AM, targeted a marijuana plantation in a remote area of Sultan Dumalondong. The coordinated effort was led by PLTCOL Allen M. Alcido of the Provincial Special Operations Group (PSOG)/Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (LDSPPO), in collaboration with several units: the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) LDSPPO, Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) LDSPPO, PIAT-RIU15 LDS, City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) of Marawi CPS, 1403rd Regional Mobile Force Company (RMFC) RMFB14-A, and Sultan Dumalondong Municipal Police Station.
Authorities apprehended the primary suspect, known by the alias “Rupug,” along with several companions who were found asleep at the plantation when police arrived. The site, located at coordinates 51NXJ38941 55796 and spanning approximately 2,000 square meters, contained around 5,000 fully grown marijuana plants.
The plants were immediately uprooted and inventoried in the presence of Department of Justice (DOJ) representative Mr. Aquino Comadug. However, the suspects reportedly refused to sign the inventory sheet. Following proper documentation, the plantation area was sprayed with herbicide, and the marijuana plants were destroyed by burning.
During the burning process, gunfire erupted from the southern portion of the site. A tactical reconnaissance team was deployed to secure the area, but the unidentified shooter managed to escape. In the course of this response, one unit of a 9mm Canik pistol (serial number T6472-18BG10878) issued to PCpl Hanif T. Abdulaziz was reported missing. Investigation and retrieval operations are currently underway.
A sample of the seized marijuana has been collected and will be forwarded to the PNP Forensic Unit for examination.
PCOL Caezar P. Cabuhat, Provincial Director of LDSPPO, lauded the bravery, professionalism, and seamless coordination among all participating units. He emphasized that this operation is a significant step forward in the province’s ongoing campaign against illegal drugs.
“This successful operation underscores our commitment to eradicating illegal drug activities in Lanao del Sur. Our law enforcement units will remain relentless in pursuing justice and maintaining peace in the province,” Cabuhat said.