The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday touted a single emergency call to Unified 911 triggered a swift police response that led to the recent arrest of a suspected drug personality and the seizure of illegal drugs in an early-morning operation in Claveria, Cagayan.

PNP said the operation was launched after an intelligence report was received through the Unified 911 emergency system at around 5 a.m. on 10 January, alerting authorities to alleged illegal drug activity in a residential area of the municipality.

Responding police units immediately conducted validation and tactical deployment, resulting in the arrest of one individual by around 6 a.m. 

Authorities confiscated approximately 20.5 grams of suspected shabu, or methamphetamine hydrochloride, with an estimated standard drug price of P139,400. 

Also seized were weighing scales, improvised drug paraphernalia, mobile phones, and other items linked to illegal drug transactions.

The suspect is currently under police custody, while the seized drugs have been turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit for laboratory examination and proper disposition.

PNP chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. highlighted the vital role of the Unified 911 system in enabling fast and effective law enforcement action.

“Malaking tulong ang Unified 911 dahil dito mabilis na naipararating ang impormasyon sa pulisya. Kapag mabilis ang report, mabilis din ang responde,” said Nartatez. 

“Sa ganitong paraan, napipigilan natin ang mga ilegal na gawain at ang pagkalat ng droga sa komunidad bago pa ito makapinsala.”

He added that the successful operation underscores the importance of community cooperation in the government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign. 

“Hindi lang ito usapin ng pag-aresto. Ang mahalaga, naiiwasan nating masira ang buhay ng mga kabataan at pamilya dahil sa droga,” he said.

The PNP renewed its call for the public to remain vigilant and to actively use the Unified 911 hotline to report crimes and suspicious activities, stressing that timely reporting is crucial to maintaining peace and order.