P34M worth of suspected shabu seized in Tawi-Tawi; 3 nabbed

Combined operatives from the military, the police, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) seized suspected shabu worth P34 million during a buy-bust operation in Tawi-Tawi on Tuesday.

According to information from Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) spokesman Major Arvin Encinas, three individuals identified as Haberson Jaafar, Elmer Jamadin and Adzfar Asali, were arrested in Barangay Poblacion in Bongao town.

The operation was conducted by forces from the Marine Battalion Landing Team 9, PDEA-Tawi-Tawi/ BARMM/Zamboanga, Tawi-Tawi Provincial Police Office, and Bongao Municipal Police Station.

Encinas said the drug suspects will be charged for violation of sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

WestMinCom commander Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana hailed the security forces for their successful operation.

"It is noteworthy that we, together with other law enforcement agencies, have had significant gains in our campaign against illegal drugs,” Sobejana said. — BM, GMA News