PLARIDEL, Misamis Occidental — A Regional Priority High-Value Individual (HVI) was arrested during a predawn search warrant operation that led to the seizure of illegal drugs worth more than ₱375,000, along with a firearm and a hand grenade, in Barangay Eastern Looc, Plaridel, Misamis Occidental on June 10.
The suspect, identified only by the alias “PO,” 38, a resident of Purok Yellow Tap in the same barangay, was apprehended by joint law enforcement operatives implementing a search warrant for alleged violations of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The operation was spearheaded by the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Misamis Occidental Police Provincial Office in coordination with the Plaridel Municipal Police Station and the 1002nd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10.
During the implementation of the warrant, authorities discovered and confiscated a caliber .45 pistol equipped with a magazine and eight live rounds of ammunition. A hand grenade was also recovered inside the suspect’s residence, raising concerns over the potential threat posed by the suspect to the community.
Aside from the firearm and explosive device, operatives uncovered a significant quantity of suspected shabu and various drug paraphernalia. Among the items seized were several sachets containing suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, improvised glass pipes, aluminum foil strips, a digital weighing scale, a heat sealer, and two cellular phones believed to be connected to the suspect’s alleged illegal drug activities.
According to police investigators, the confiscated suspected shabu weighed approximately 55.2 grams and carried an estimated Standard Drug Price of more than ₱375,000.
Authorities said the recovery of both illegal drugs and weapons during the operation underscores the continuing link between narcotics trafficking and the proliferation of firearms, posing serious risks to public safety and security.
The suspect is currently under police custody while authorities prepare the filing of multiple charges, including violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, Republic Act 10591, and other applicable laws related to the possession of explosives and illegal drug paraphernalia.
Police officials reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying intelligence-driven operations against high-value drug personalities and individuals involved in illegal possession of firearms and explosives, emphasizing that such operations are crucial in maintaining peace and order across Misamis Occidental and the rest of Northern Mindanao.
The seized evidence has been turned over to the appropriate authorities for documentation and forensic examination as part of the ongoing investigation.