DITSAAN RAMAIN, Lanao del Sur — Police authorities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BARMM) confiscated approximately 466 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of ₱3,168,800, arrested one alleged drug suspect, and neutralized his armed cohort during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Lilod Baklayan, Ditsaan Ramain, Lanao del Sur on July 31, 2026.
The operation, carried out by the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR), forms part of the government’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs and was conducted under a valid Target Illegal Drugs Personality Control Number and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Pre-Operational Control Number, ensuring compliance with legal operational procedures.
Undercover Drug Transaction
Authorities identified the arrested suspect as Musa Nahar Umayog, also known as “Nahar,” 45 years old, a tricycle driver and resident of Barangay Talub, Ditsaan Ramain, Lanao del Sur.
According to the police investigation, an undercover operative, assisted by a confidential informant, successfully negotiated the purchase of suspected shabu worth ₱500,000 from the suspects.
After the transaction was completed and the pre-arranged signal was given, members of the operating team immediately moved in and arrested Umayog without incident.
Armed Cohort Opens Fire
However, the operation quickly escalated when Umayog’s alleged cohort, identified only by the alias “Alnor,” reportedly opened fire on law enforcement personnel while attempting to flee toward a densely vegetated area.
Police said the operating team responded with what they described as the necessary force to neutralize the immediate threat, triggering a brief armed confrontation that lasted approximately seven minutes.
The armed suspect sustained multiple gunshot wounds during the exchange of fire and was immediately rushed to Amai Pakpak Medical Center, where he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
Authorities confirmed that no police personnel were injured during the encounter.
Nearly Half a Kilogram of Suspected Shabu Recovered
Recovered and confiscated during the operation were:
- Approximately 466 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated Dangerous Drugs Board value of ₱3,168,800;
- Five bundles of boodle money containing one genuine ₱1,000 bill used as marked buy-bust money;
- One Honda XRM motorcycle;
- One motorcycle key; and
- Two lighters.
The arrested suspect was informed of his constitutional rights in a language known and understood by him.
Police said the inventory, marking, and documentation of the seized evidence were conducted at the scene in the presence of the witnesses required under Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.
Meanwhile, personnel from the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) processed the encounter site, while all confiscated evidence will be submitted to the Regional Forensic Unit–BAR for laboratory examination and proper disposition.
Multi-Agency Anti-Drug Operation
The anti-illegal drugs operation was spearheaded by the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU) in coordination with several police units, including:
- Provincial Special Operations Group;
- Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office;
- Ditsaan Ramain Municipal Police Station;
- Provincial Intelligence Unit;
- 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company; and
- 1403rd Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14-A.
Police said the successful operation highlights the continued coordination among law enforcement agencies in addressing the proliferation of illegal drugs in the region.
PRO BAR Reaffirms Commitment Against Illegal Drugs
Police Brigadier General Christopher M. Abecia, Regional Director of PRO BAR, commended the operating units for the successful implementation of the operation and reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven anti-drug operations.
“Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating kampanya laban sa ilegal na droga. Hindi tayo uurong sa pagpapatupad ng batas, ngunit sisiguraduhin nating ang bawat operasyon ay isinasagawa nang propesyonal at naaayon sa batas. Sa tuwina, piliin nating maging mabuting tao,” Abecia said.
The PRO BAR emphasized that it remains steadfast in protecting communities from the threats posed by illegal drugs through lawful, intelligence-based operations and close coordination with partner law enforcement agencies.
The incident remains under further investigation as authorities continue efforts to identify other individuals who may be connected to the illegal drug activities uncovered during the operation.