QUICK POLICE RESPONSE, STRONG COMMUNITY SUPPORT LEAD TO ARREST OF IED SUSPECT
A swift police response and strong public cooperation led to the immediate identification and arrest of a suspect following an explosion involving a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) at a snack shop in the Magsaysay area early Monday morning, April 13.
A witness reported hearing a loud explosion to police Fixed Visibility Point (FVP) at Upper Magsaysay. Police personnel promptly responded, secured the scene, and coordinated with specialized units to initiate an investigation.
Initial findings revealed that the suspect, a 32-year-old miner from Itogon, was allegedly intoxicated and had earlier committed acts of lascivious conduct against the snack shop’s caretaker. The suspect was reportedly mauled by bystanders following the incident. He later returned and threw a suspected IED—believed to contain black powder inside a plastic container—causing an explosion that resulted in multiple injuries and property damage.
A total of fourteen (14) individuals were injured. Four victims were brought to Pines City Doctors Hospital and were later discharged. Ten others were transported to Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, where nine remain under medical treatment.
Due to the rapid response of police personnel, close coordination among units of the Baguio City Police Office, and timely information from the public, authorities were able to quickly identify and arrest the suspect along Magsaysay Avenue shortly after the incident. The suspect is now in police custody and will face multiple charges related to the incident.
According to BCPO City Director, PCOL RUEL D TAGEL, the incident highlights the critical role of prompt police action and community cooperation in maintaining public safety. Authorities continue to conduct further investigation.
PRO CAR’s Weeklong Drug Ops Yield Over P24.1M in Illegal Drugs; Seven Drug Personalities Apprehended
In its continued efforts to protect communities and suppress illegal drug activities, the Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO CAR) successfully conducted a weeklong series of anti-illegal drug operations from April 6 to 12, 2026, resulting in the seizure of PhP24,187,249.00 worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of seven drug personalities.
According to reports from the Regional Operations Division, PRO CAR carried out a total of 24 operations, consisting of 20 marijuana eradication operations, three buy-bust operations, and one implementation of a warrant of arrest.
From these operations, PRO CAR operatives confiscated 78,173 fully grown marijuana plants, 22 marijuana seedlings, 305 grams of marijuana seeds, 70,610 grams of dried marijuana leaves and fruiting tops, and 10.58 grams of shabu with an overall total Standard Drug Price (SDP) of PhP24,187,249.00.
These operations also led to the apprehension of seven drug personalities, of whom three were identified as High Value Individuals (HVIs) and four as Street Level Individuals (SLIs). The suspects now face charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The most significant accomplishments were recorded by Benguet PPO, which confiscated illegal drugs with an SDP of PhP19,315,505.00 and arrested one HVI, and by Kalinga PPO, which seized illegal drugs with an SDP of PhP4,805,440.00 and apprehended two SLIs.
Meanwhile, Mountain Province PPO confiscated suspected shabu with an SDP of PhP48,756.00 and arrested one HVI; Abra PPO seized suspected shabu with an SDP of PhP17,748.00 and arrested two SLIs; and Apayao PPO also arrested one HVI.
These accomplishments reflect PRO CAR’s sustained commitment to intensifying its anti-illegal drug campaign through continuous collaboration with partner agencies and community stakeholders, in line with its mandate to ensure safer and drug-free communities across the Cordillera region.
