BUSTED. A team of Philippine Marines, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and intelligence units arrest three suspected big-time drug personalities (seated) in an anti-drug operation Wednesday (April 28, 2021) in Barangay Pag-asa, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. Charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs act of 2002 will be filed against the suspects. (Photo courtesy of Western Mindanao Command Public Information Office)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Authorities have arrested three suspected big-time drug personalities and seized some PHP4.7 million worth of illegal drugs in an intelligence-driven anti-drug operation in Tawi-Tawi, military officials said Thursday.
Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), identified the arrested suspects as Hassan Anggie Hawaan, 30; Mannan Nusuri Muhadi, 48; and Mudzna Anggie Hawaan, 42, all residents of Barangay Simangal, Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi.
Vinluan said that the three suspects were arrested in a joint buy-bust operation Wednesday in Barangay Pag-Asa in Bongao, the capital town of Tawi-Tawi.
He said the arresting team seized from the possession of the suspects 14 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing suspected shabu with an estimated value of over PHP4.7 million and other pieces of evidence.
The arresting team is composed of personnel of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-12 (MBLT-12), intelligence units, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
The arrested suspects and confiscated pieces of evidence are now in the custody of Bongao Municipal Police Station for proper disposition and appropriate filing of criminal charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as "The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002."
“Our good relationship with the LGUs (Local government Units) and other law enforcement agencies like the PDEA and PNP is evident in this successful operation against illicit networks,” said Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi commander.
“Together with resolve, we can fight this menace which undermines the very fiber of our society effectively. We recognize the unyielding commitment to the mission of our marines and counterparts. Bravo Zulu (well-done)” Rojas added.
Meanwhile, Vinluan that Westmincom will continue to support the conduct of law enforcement support operations to deter the proliferation of illegal drugs in Mindanao. (PNA)
