A JOINT team of soldiers, policemen, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agents have arrested a high-value target (HVT) and seized some P102,000 worth of illegal drugs and a firearm with ammunition in a law enforcement operation in North Cotabato, officials announced.
Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, identified the arrested HVT suspect as Tanto Tidong alias Tanto Talib, 40.
Vinluan said Tidong was arrested in a law enforcement operation by way of service of a search warrant Friday, March 12, 2021, in Pantar village, Banilisian, North Cotabato.
Brigadier General Roberto Capulong, 602nd Infantry Brigade commander, said Tidong is a notorious drug trader, who belongs to an armed lawless group that operates in North Cotabato.
Capulong said Tidong also established connections with high-valued drug personalities in Maguindanao.
Recovered from Tidong’s residence were some 15 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated worth of P102,000 and a caliber .45 pistol with ammunition.
Tidong and the confiscated items were brought to Banilisan Municipal Police Station for the filing of appropriate charges and proper disposition.
“I commend the joint forces especially our troops from the 34th Infantry Battalion who provided support and participated in the successful operation,” said Major General Juvymax Uy, commander of the Joint Task Force Central. (SunStar Zamboanga)