MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL (PIA) — Two individuals were apprehended in Brgy. Labo, Ozamiz City, during an anti-drug operation on April 14, following the implementation of the local government’s Citizen’s Arrest directive.
Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) members Glenn Apog and Rulin Surban responded to a report of illegal drug activity in Purok 1. After verifying the incident, they detained two male residents, aged 30 and 20, and turned them over to responding personnel from the Ozamiz City Police Station.
Confiscated items included drug paraphernalia and approximately one gram of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of P13,600.
The operation is part of the city’s anti-drug initiative, which authorizes trained barangay personnel and community members to act when witnessing criminal activity.
“Citizen’s arrest is not just legal—it’s a powerful tool. When citizens and barangay workers are aware and empowered, we create a network of protection for every neighborhood,” Mayor Indy Oaminal said.
Authorities report increased community involvement and quicker responses since the directive’s implementation.
The individuals are in police custody and will be charged under Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (LGU Ozamiz)
