Suspected illegal drugs are confiscated in a buy-bust operation in Camarines Norte early Thursday (March 20, 2024). Two high-value individuals were arrested after being caught with 31 heat-sealed plastic sachets of suspected shabu worth P1.08 million. (Photo courtesy of PRO-5)
LEGAZPI CITY – Separate police operations across the Bicol Region on Wednesday and Thursday have led to the arrest of three suspects, the confiscation of illegal drugs, and the recovery of war material in Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, and Masbate.
Two of the arrested individuals were high-value individuals arrested in a buy-bust operation in Daet, Camarines Sur after they were caught in possession of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P1.08 million, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 (Bicol) said Thursday.
PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon said the operation was conducted past Wednesday midnight and identified the suspects as alias “Mars,” 51, of Pandi, Bulacan, and alias “Gie,” 53, of Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
The operation, conducted by the Provincial Intelligence Unit – Provincial Police Drug Enforcement Unit (PIU-PPDEU), in coordination with the Daet municipal police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 5, found the suspects with 31 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, weighing 160 grams.
He said both suspects were informed of the nature of their arrest and underwent a medical examination before they were placed in police custody while charges of violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, were being prepared.
Arms cache in Masbate mountain
Meanwhile, in Aroroy town in Masbate, the PRO-5, together with the Philippine Army, unearthed on Thursday a cache of buried war materiel in the mountainous area of the province, consisting of various firearms, explosives, ammunition, and other items linked to insurgent activities.
“The successful recovery of these war materials was made possible through intelligence provided by two former rebels, identified as ‘Ka Gerald’ and ‘Ka Mae,’ who voluntarily disclosed the location of the hidden cache. Their cooperation played a crucial role in ensuring that these weapons and explosives did not fall back into the hands of insurgents, preventing potential attacks and safeguarding civilian communities,” Dizon said.
The recovered war materiel included a lower receiver for an M16 rifle with an Elisco marking and a defaced serial number, an upper receiver, a bolt for an M16 rifle, and a buttstock for an M16.
An improvised carbine, two improvised shotguns, and several firearm magazines were confiscated, including seven long magazines for M16 rifles, a short magazine, an improvised magazine for a carbine, and an improvised shotgun magazine.
The team also seized explosive devices, such as three 40mm grenades, four rifle grenades with casings, three command-detonated explosives (CDX), and five Molotov cocktails.
Substantial ammunition was recovered, including 21 rounds for a 7.62mm rifle, 36 rounds for a carbine, and 134 rounds for a 5.56mm rifle. A red and yellow communist flag, assorted medical accessories, various clothing items, and ropes were also found at the site.
The war materiel is now under the custody of the Aroroy municipal police for proper documentation and disposition.
Wanted person
The third arrested suspect, meanwhile, was identified as alias “Ricky,” 26, of Sto. Tomas Ferya, Quezon, Nueva Ecija, the region’s No. 2 most wanted person, who was arrested in Lupi town in Camarines Sur on Wednesday.
The arrest was made based on a warrant issued for murder, with no bail recommended.
After his apprehension, the suspect underwent legal documentation and processing.
The PRO-5 said it remains committed to intensifying law enforcement efforts to uphold peace and order in the region, ensuring that wanted persons are brought to justice and held accountable for their crimes. (PNA)
