MIDSAYAP, NORTH COTABATO — A Mayoralty candidate was caught red handed with P3.4-million illegal drugs in his possession at around 4:30 Thursday morning, October 21, 2021 in Barangay Upper Glad 1.
Midsayap PNP chief Police Lt.Col. Rolly Oranza identified the suspect as Tom Lucas Nandang alias Datukon Nandang, 52, and a resident of the place.
Oranza said Nandang is running for mayor in Norther Kabuntalan, Maguindanao town.
The law enforcers implemented the search warrant issued by the court as they entered the residence of the suspect.
“He was calm and did not resists during the search,” described Oranza. Nandang is considered a High Value Target (HVT).
Recovered from Nandang’s possession were: 500 grams of suspected shabu described as One (1) piece Chinese tea bag with guanyinyang label containing ten (10) pcs medium heat-sealed transparent sachet containing white crystalline substance suspected and one (1) caliber 45 pistol with serial number 422158
He was arrested for violating RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Drugs Act of 2922 and RA 10591comprehensive law on firearms and ammunition.
The joint operation was spearheaded by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 12, led by SI2 Gilberto R Dadis Jr, and PDEA RO BARMM led Fim Antony Naïve, in coordination with Midsayap PNP led by Oranza , and 34th IB, PA led 2lt Arnel M Osia.
The operation was witnessed by Barangay Kagawad Andrew Singco and media Eric John Estolloso.
The suspect is now detained at Midsayap custodial center while the cases are being prepared.
