AUTHORITIES arrested an aspiring mayor of Northern Kabuntalan, Maguindanao in an anti-illegal drug operation on Thursday, October 21, 2021.
Joint Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and police operatives arrested Tom Nandang, 52, during an operation in Barangay Upper Glad in Midsayap town.
Seized from Nandang were methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) valued at around P5 million and a .45 caliber pistol.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Guillermo Eleazar said this serves as a stern warning against political aspirants with connections to criminal groups.
“You will be arrested. The PNP will stop you from using your guns and goons to try to steal the elections from our kababayan. Hindi titigil ang inyong PNP sa pagtugis sa mga narco-politicians at iba pang mga pulitiko na may kinalaman sa mga criminal groups. We will not allow them to use their illegal connections to undermine our democratic process,” he said.
“This is but proof of our continuous determination to win the campaign against illegal drugs despite the serious challenge we are facing now. We will not be distracted in our determination to further cripple the operational capability of illegal drugs syndicates in the country,” he added.
Eleazar also commended the operatives involved in the operation. (SunStar Philippines)