LUUK, Sulu — A high-value drug suspect was arrested while firearms, explosives, illegal drugs, and other war materiel were confiscated during a joint law enforcement operation conducted by government security forces in Barangay Lianutan, Luuk, Sulu on Sunday, June 21, 2026.
The operation, led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and supported by military and police units under the Law Enforcement Support Operation (LESO), culminated in a successful buy-bust operation at around 10:20 a.m. in Sitio Kabbun Biyabas.
Authorities identified the suspect as Aldin G. Hajad, also known by the alias “Dam,” 36 years old, married, a farmer, and a resident of Barangay Lianutan, Luuk. He was tagged by authorities as a High-Value Target (HVT) involved in illegal drug activities in the municipality.
According to Capt. Kesley Maligro, Operations Officer of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, the operation was the result of coordinated intelligence and law enforcement efforts among various government agencies.
Recovered from the suspect was approximately 50 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of P45,000 and a national standard drug price of around P340,000.
Authorities also seized an alarming cache of weapons and equipment, including:
- One M1 Garand rifle with ammunition;
- Two caliber .45 pistols;
- One hand grenade;
- One tactical vest;
- Magazines loaded with ammunition;
- A Garand rifle magazine clip with 10 rounds;
- A Baofeng handheld radio;
- Cellular phones;
- Buy-bust money;
- Identification cards; and
- A motorcycle believed to have been used in the suspect’s illegal activities.
The arrested suspect and all confiscated evidence were brought to the custody of PDEA-Sulu and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-9 for proper documentation, filing of appropriate charges, and further investigation.
The operation involved personnel from the 21st Infantry Battalion, 101st Infantry Battalion, PDEA-Sulu, Philippine National Police-Special Action Force, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9, CIDG, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), Naval Intelligence and Security Unit 61, Luuk Municipal Police Station, Provincial Mobile Force Company, military intelligence units, and other security partners.
Capt. Maligro emphasized that the successful operation highlights the effectiveness of synchronized efforts among military, police, and intelligence agencies in combating illegal drugs and criminal activities in Sulu.
“The operation demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated intelligence, law enforcement, and military actions in addressing criminality and the illegal drug trade in the province,” Maligro said.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, commended all participating units for the successful mission and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to supporting law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and order.
“This successful Law Enforcement Support Operation is a testament to the power of interagency cooperation and our collective resolve to uphold the rule of law in Sulu. Through sustained LESO efforts, we will continue to assist our law enforcement partners in dismantling criminal networks, removing loose firearms from our communities, and ensuring that those who threaten peace and security are held accountable,” Delos Santos said.
The 1102nd Infantry Brigade reiterated its commitment to conducting intelligence-driven and community-supported operations aimed at sustaining peace, enhancing public safety, and protecting development gains across Sulu’s Second District.
Authorities are now preparing the appropriate criminal charges against the suspect, which may include violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and illegal possession of explosives.