TAWI-TAWI — Police Regional Office authorities of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-BAR) rescued four Russians on board a distressed vessel near San Miguel Island (Bangkawan) in Barangay Umus Mataha, here on Tuesday.

Police said that upon receiving the information, joint units from Coast Guard Station Northern Tawi-Tawi (lead unit), Mapun Maritime Special Boat Crew 1st MSOU, Mapun Municipal Police Station, and 212 MC MBLT-12 launched a coordinated rescue mission to locate and rescue the occupants of the distressed vessel.

Initial investigation disclosed that the four individuals were traveling from Bali, Indonesia, to Subic, Zambales.

After the rescue, the four Russians were given immediate assistance and referred to the local government unit of Mapun for further support and coordination.

Meanwhile, BGen. Prexy Tanggawohn, acting regional director of PRO-BAR, commended the authorities for their swift response to the distressed foreign nationals at sea.

He emphasized that the incident underscores the exemplary coordination and efficiency among the various rescue units, which played a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of those in peril.

The regional director said the successful operation not only highlights the preparedness and dedication of the rescue teams but also strengthens the trust and confidence in their ability to handle maritime emergencies effectively.

Meantime, joint police operations of the Municipal Police Station of Wao with the Philippine Army's 55th Infantry Batallion, PDEU, PSOG Lanao del Sur successfully conducted buy-bust operations in Barangay Western Wao on Thursday that resulted in the arrest of a high-value drug suspect alias "Bai," a resident of Barangay Kadingilan, Wao, Lanao del sur.

Police report said that the suspect yielded one-piece self-sealing transparent plastic containing 1000 grams of shabu.

Col. Robert Daculan, provincial director of Lanao del Sur, said the suspect, the drug evidence and nondrug evidence were subsequently brought to PDEA-BAR for documentation and disposition.