DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao del Norte — Two suspected drug couriers, including an active member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU), were intercepted and arrested at a joint military-police checkpoint along the Cotabato–Shariff Aguak Road in Sitio Seput, Barangay Baka, Datu Odin Sinsuat on the evening of January 6, 2026.
The suspects were identified by Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station (DOSMPS) Deputy Chief PCapt. Rustan Deaño, under the supervision of PLtCol. Esmael Madin, as alias “Bons,” 43, and alias “Mus,” 47, both married and residents of the same municipality. Police confirmed that alias “Mus” is an active CAFGU member, raising serious concerns over the involvement of state-affiliated security auxiliaries in illegal drug activities.
The arrest took place at around 8:20 p.m. during a checkpoint operation jointly conducted by the DOSMPS and the 1st Mechanized Battalion, Operational Control, 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.
According to PCapt. Deaño, the operation was launched after police received a tip from a confidential informant that the suspects would be transporting illegal drugs, allegedly sourced from the town of Talitay.
Seized from the suspects was a medium-sized plastic sachet containing suspected shabu weighing approximately three grams, with an estimated street value of ₱20,000. Authorities also recovered an improvised glass tube tooter, a pair of scissors, and a red Yamaha Sniper 150 motorcycle bearing plate number LD 42499, which was used by the suspects as their means of transport.
The two suspects are currently detained at the DOSMPS lock-up cell and will be facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
Police officials stressed that the arrest of a CAFGU member in a drug-related offense is deeply alarming and undermines public trust, noting that those entrusted to help maintain peace and security must be held to the highest standard of accountability.
An investigation is now underway to determine whether other individuals or networks are involved in the illegal drug trade in the area.