DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao del Norte (July 30, 2025) – Authorities arrested a father and son duo and seized over P1 million worth of illegal drugs during a buy-bust operation in Sitio Gubat, Barangay Makir, this Wednesday afternoon.
Identified as Noel Lembak Sulba, 55, and his 22-year-old son Esmael Diangkal Sulba, both residents of Talitay, Maguindanao del Norte, the suspects were caught selling 150 grams of suspected shabu amounting to P1,020,000 to undercover operatives.
The operation was carried out by the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station (DOS MPS) under the leadership of Lt. Col. Esmael Madin, with support from units of the Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Police Office and the Police Regional Office – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR).
Police Regional Director Brig. Gen. Jaysen C. De Guzman confirmed the arrest and lauded the efforts of the operating teams. He also acknowledged the vital support of Datu Odin Sinsuat Mayor Abdulmain Abas and Vice Mayor Bobsteel Sinsuat, as well as traditional Moro leaders who helped facilitate the entrapment operation.
“This accomplishment is a clear demonstration of PRO-BAR’s unwavering commitment to combat illegal drugs and ensure the safety of Bangsamoro communities,” De Guzman said in a statement.
The Sulbas are currently in the joint custody of the DOS Police and the Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Police Office. Authorities will be filing charges against them for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.