Empowered barangay responders nab drug suspects in Ozamis under Mayor Oaminal’s citizen’s arrests initiative

By: Bhal Cabrerra

Ozamis City- A recent anti-drug operation in Brgy. Labo, Ozamiz City, resulted in the arrest of two individuals caught in the act of using illegal drugs—an operation directly credited to the Citizen’s Arrest directive issued by Mayor Atty. Indy Oaminal.

At around 12:30 AM on April 14, Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) members Glenn Apog and Rulin Surban responded to a tip about a drug session in Purok 1, Brgy. Labo.

Upon confirming the illegal activity, they immediately performed a Citizen’s Arrest on Mark “Ian” Lomoloy, 30, and Prince Laurenz “Yuri” Espinosa, 20, both residents of the barangay.

Responding to the BPAT report, operatives from the Ozamiz City Police Station arrived on the scene and took custody of the suspects. Recovered from the operation were drug-related paraphernalia and approximately 1 gram of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of P13,600.

This operation is a direct result of the Citizen’s Arrest directive implemented by Mayor Oaminal as part of his intensified anti-illegal drugs campaign, which places strong emphasis on empowering barangay officials and community volunteers to take immediate action when crimes are witnessed.

On March 29, 2025, Mayor Oaminal gathered all 51 barangay captains at the City Hall Annex to officially emphasize the legality and necessity of Citizen’s Arrest in the context of community crime-fighting.

“Citizen’s Arrest is not just legal—it’s a powerful tool. When citizens and barangay workers are aware and empowered, we create a network of protection for every neighborhood,” Mayor Oaminal stated.

City officials and law enforcement agencies are seeing positive outcomes from this directive, noting increased community vigilance and faster response times to criminal activity.

The two suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged under Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. As Mayor Oaminal’s campaign gains momentum, the Citizen’s Arrest policy continues to strengthen grassroots involvement in building a safer and drug-free Ozamiz City.