CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Law enforcement operatives in Northern Mindanao have managed to haul more than PHP2 million worth of illegal drugs in two separate operations this week.
On Friday, this city's Police Station 8 and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Region 10 seized PHP816,000 worth of shabu in a buy-bust operation.
Major Aldren Baculio, the station commander, identified the arrested suspects as Lester Laurente, 29, Jovert Taylaran, 47, and April Rea Joy Guardaquivil, 31.
Baculio said the arrested suspects' colleagues had tried to rescue them, resulting in a car chase and exchanges of gunfire with authorities.
Police identified the fleeing suspects as Jericho Ochigue and Dante Morales, who are the subject of a manhunt.
Lawn enforcers recovered two .45-caliber pistols and ammunition from the arrested suspects, including three rented vehicles.
Meanwhile, operatives of the Region 10 Police Drug Enforcement Unit also seized PHP1.3 million worth shabu in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Indahag on Jan. 11.
Police arrested Arlie Alquitela, 34, a resident of Libona town, Bukidnon province.
Brigadier Gen. Lawrence Coop, Police Region 10 director, assured the campaign against illegal drugs remains "active."
"As we start the new year, we will heighten the arrest of personalities who continue in illegal drug operations," Coop said. (PNA)
