Woman in PDEA drug watchlist falls in Maguindanao

Datu Odin Sinsuat and Talitay towns in Maguindanao (Wikipedia maps)

COTABATO CITY—A woman allegedly under the watchlist of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for peddling prohibited drugs was arrested on Thursday in Barangay Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao province.

Director Juvenal Azurin, PDEA regional director in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), said joint police and anti-narcotic agents arrested Vicky Sangkigay, 47, inside her house at past 1 p.m. Thursday based on a search warrant issued by the local court.

Seized from Sangkigay’s home were about 50 grams of shabu with an estimated market value of P75,000, a Bushmaster rifle, 10 assorted pistols and ammunition for various caliber, financial documents, a passport and some P3 million in cash.

Police said Sangkigay, who had been under PDEA’s watchlist, did not resist arrest. She is now detained at PDEA-ARMM lock-up cell to face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and Republic Act 10591, or illegal possession of firearms.  /jpv