Marines help arrest 4 gunmen, dismantle drug den in Maguindanao
BULDON, Maguindanao – Government forces arrested four persons during joint law enforcement operations in Maguindanao on Saturday.
The anti-illegal drug operation in Sitio Kitob, Barangay Rumidas, Buldon town of Maguindanao also led to the dismantling of a drug den, according to Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr., commander of the Naval Forces in Western Mindanao.
According to Adaci, the man identified only as Sadam, was a high-value target of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Authority (PDEA), was the primary target of the operation. He eluded the raiding team composed of operatives of the 5th Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT-5), PDEA and the Maguindanao police but four of his men were arrested.
Police identified those arrested as Jalil Maguilis, Johaiver Mamalumpong Usop, Jhonari Mamalacat and Alenajer Manalao, all residents of Buldon town.
Government forces reported to have recovered five sachets containing 20 grams of shabu (crystal meth) estimated to cost P136,000; assorted improvised drug paraphernalia; two M16 rifles; ammunition for an M14 rifle, and other items.
The four suspects have been turned over to Buldon municipal police office.
Adaci lauded the Marines for helping other security forces in neutralizing drug personalities in their area of operation.
