During the standoff, Irong made several demands. Initially, he requested to speak with a police officer, followed by a demand to talk to his mother.
DAVAO CITY — A police operation to serve a search warrant in Barangay Cathedral Falls, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, turned into a tense three-hour standoff after the suspect, armed with a .45 caliber pistol, barricaded himself in his room and refused to surrender.
The operation, conducted on the evening of November 20, 2024, resulted in the seizure of six packages of shabu and 45 firearms but only concluded after hours of negotiation and intervention by the suspect’s family.
The suspect, identified as 46-year-old Rodirek Dagohoy Irong, resisted arrest when authorities attempted to execute a search warrant for illegal drugs at his residence around 8:30 PM. Instead of complying, Irong brandished a firearm and locked himself in a room, threatening to shoot anyone who approached.
During the standoff, Irong made several demands. Initially, he requested to speak with a police officer, followed by a demand to talk to his mother. Later, he insisted on the presence of media representatives. Despite these concessions, Irong continued to threaten self-harm and violence, prolonging the situation.
Negotiations lasted for over two hours but made little progress. The situation only de-escalated after Irong’s brothers-in-law arrived and pleaded with him to surrender for the sake of his wife, children, and the safety of the officers. Their intervention ultimately convinced him to lay down his weapon and surrender shortly before midnight.
Upon his arrest, Irong admitted to consuming alcohol and smoking shabu before the police operation. While he confessed to using illegal drugs, he denied allegations of selling them. The search of his home led to the discovery of six packets of shabu and 45 assorted firearms, which are now in police custody.
The suspect is facing multiple charges, including possession of illegal drugs and firearms, as authorities continue their investigation. Local police commended the efforts of the suspect’s family for their role in peacefully resolving the tense situation, ensuring no casualties occurred.
