SIASI, Sulu — A suspected drug den was dismantled while a suspected drug personality was arrested during a joint law enforcement operation conducted by government security forces on Laminusa Island, Siasi, Sulu, on Tuesday, July 7.
The operation was carried out by troops of the 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion under the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), as part of the government’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs in vulnerable island communities.
According to Lt. Col. Roy Dalumpines, Commanding Officer of the 104th Infantry Battalion, the Law Enforcement Support Operation (LESO) was launched following intelligence information received on the evening of July 6 regarding the alleged existence of a drug den in Barangay Luuk, Laminusa Island.
Acting on the report, a joint team led by 2nd Lt. Brix Jones B. Laging, together with personnel from the PNP Laminusa and members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT), conducted a clearing operation early the following day to verify the information and dismantle the suspected illegal drug facility.
During the operation, government forces discovered and recovered numerous drug-related items believed to have been used in the illegal use, packaging, and distribution of dangerous drugs.
Authorities said the recovered evidence included plastic sachets containing suspected shabu residue, aluminum foil rolls and strips, improvised aluminum foil tubes commonly used for drug sessions, plastic straws, a digital weighing scale, packaging materials, disposable lighters, scissors, spoons, a bolo knife, and other drug paraphernalia.
The joint operating troops also apprehended one suspected drug personality identified only by the alias “Hassan” following further exploitation of the area.
The suspect, along with all confiscated evidence, was immediately turned over to the Siasi Municipal Police Station for proper documentation, inventory, investigation, and the filing of appropriate criminal charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
Lt. Col. Dalumpines emphasized that the successful operation highlights the continuing vigilance of security forces in preventing the spread of illegal drugs in island communities and in responding swiftly to information provided by concerned residents.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, Commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, lauded the operating troops and their law enforcement partners for the successful conduct of the operation.
“This accomplishment reflects the strong collaboration between the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, our local government units, and the communities of Sulu in addressing the threat of illegal drugs. We remain steadfast in supporting law enforcement efforts to ensure that our communities are peaceful, secure, and protected from criminality,” Delos Santos said.
The Army official stressed that sustaining close coordination among security forces, local government units, and community stakeholders remains crucial in preventing criminal activities and maintaining peace and order across the province.
The 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting law enforcement agencies through intelligence sharing and Law Enforcement Support Operations, in line with the government’s whole-of-nation approach to combating illegal drugs, preserving public safety, and fostering lasting peace and development throughout Sulu.