Police arrest suspect in Isabela theft and Basilan drug operation

In Echague, Isabela, a 20-year-old man, identified by the alias ‘Ben’, was arrested following a theft at a local restaurant. Police reported that the suspect entered the establishment around 1:10 a.m., stealing rice and several kilograms of pork. During a hot pursuit operation, authorities recovered a sack of rice, a bag of pork, and a caliber .38 revolver from the suspect. He faces potential charges for theft and firearms violations.

In Isabela City, Basilan, a 29-year-old man known as ‘Tan-tan’ was apprehended during a predawn anti-drug operation conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and local police. The operation targeted individuals involved in illegal drug activities, resulting in the seizure of approximately 15 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, valued at ₱102,000. Two other suspects managed to evade capture after an armed encounter with government operatives, fleeing into nearby vegetation during a brief exchange of gunfire.