ZAMBOANGA -- Law enforcement authorities in the province of Tawi-Tawi arrested an adult suspect and rescued a minor, while confiscating approximately PHP 13.6 million worth of illegal drugs during separate anti-drug operations.
Arrest and Seizure in Bongao
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Tawi-Tawi Provincial Office identified the arrested adult suspect only by the alias Utoh. The operation took place on Sunday, May 31, near the public marker in Poblacion village, Bongao, the capital town of Tawi-Tawi. Seized from Utoh was one kilogram of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of PHP 6.8 million.
Minor Rescued in Second Operation
In a separate anti-drug operation on Monday, June 1, authorities rescued a 13-year-old boy in Simandagit village, Bongao. The PDEA reported that the minor was found in possession of another kilogram of suspected shabu, also valued at PHP 6.8 million. The boy was immediately placed under the appropriate care and protection of concerned authorities.
Coordinated Efforts
The PDEA-Tawi-Tawi Provincial Office carried out the operations with support from partner law enforcement agencies, the Municipal Government of Bongao, and the Provincial Government of Tawi-Tawi. The successful operations highlight the ongoing efforts to combat illegal drug trade in the region.
