SISON, Pangasinan, Philippines — Thirteen kilos of marijuana bricks and dried leaves worth P1.5 million were recovered near a police checkpoint in Barangay Agat in this town on Thursday.
Authorities said the marijuana leaves could have been abandoned by the suspects.
Police set up checkpoints in strategic areas after they received information that members of a drug ring would transport marijuana to Pangasinan from Baguio City.
In Maguindanao, Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6th Infantry Division commander, confirmed yesterday the arrest of Benjar Rajahpandalat, Pong Mohammad, Pogi Abullah, Theng Kiladan and Said Nanding for illegal possession of firearms and shabu.
Uy said a 5.56 mm rifle, two .45-caliber pistols and an undetermined amount of shabu were recovered from the black Toyota Hilux of the suspects when it was pulled over at a checkpoint in Barangay Tukanalipao.
The military is validating reports that the suspects have links with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.