Cops seize P3.1-M shabu from alleged MILF member

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Police seized P3.1 million worth of shabu from a suspected dealer, reportedly a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), in an entrapment operation in Barangay Bontungan, Wao, Lanao del Sur, on Monday, August 18.

The suspect, identified as 52-year-old Jamil Saripada, is now detained at one of the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) facilities in Lanao del Sur. He will face charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Police officials confirmed Tuesday, August 19, that Saripada was found carrying an identification card showing his affiliation with the MILF’s 103rd Base Command, which has members scattered across several Lanao del Sur towns.

PRO-BAR Director Brig. Gen. Jaysen De Guzman said Saripada was arrested after he sold nearly half a kilo of shabu to undercover operatives in Purok 2, Barangay Bontungan. The buy-bust was carried out by the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit and the Wao Municipal Police Station.

Officials from the Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office said the Wao local government unit was instrumental in planning the entrapment that led to Saripada’s arrest and the recovery of ?3.1 million worth of shabu.