6 suspected drug traffickers nabbed in Maguindanao

Six suspected drug traffickers were arrested in Pandag, Maguindanao on Wednesday in an operation conducted by joint forces of the police and the military.

In a press release, the suspects were identified as Dante Dalaten, 34; Roy Datukali, 27; Jomar Jainal, 20; Dante Karautan, 34; Gale Mangandaong, 18; and Jerry Talib, 39.

The operation — conducted by security personnel from the military's 33rd Infantry Battalion and the police's 4th Special Action Battalion, Special Action Force (SAF) — took place inside a drug den in Sitio Mamalinta, Kayaga Village at 7 a.m.

Police Chief Inspector Vernido Villamor of the 43rd Special Action Company led the assault on the main drug den where the five suspects were arrested.

Dalaten was cornered at an adjacent house, according to 1st Lt. Austin John Jamora.

"He was forced to surrender when I threatened to shoot his position. We ensured that his rights will be respected," Jamora said.

Seized from the suspects were four low-powered firearms, a hand grenade and 26 grams of shabu with a street value of P130,000.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, commanding officer of the 33rd Infantry Battalion, supervised the conduct of the law enforcement operation.

"We have set the standard on how to implement a successful operation without collateral damage. We have trained together with SAF troopers and I emphasized the need to maintain our credibility by respecting human rights and ROE (Rules of Engagement) provisions," said Cabunoc. — Anna Felicia Bajo/MDM/KVD, GMA News