Two minors were rescued and taken into custody by authorities in El Nido following a pre-dawn police operation on May 31, after they were allegedly found in possession of suspected marijuana and items reported stolen.
Both minors, whose identities are withheld in accordance with laws protecting children in conflict with the law (CICL)—were positively identified by the complainant in the presence of a representative from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) office and a barangay official, in line with child-protection protocols.
According to police, the first minor was found carrying a black and blue iPhone, another black iPhone with a casing, three Indonesian banknotes — Lima Ribu Rupiah, Sepuluh Ribu Rupiah, and Dua Ribu Rupiah—two heat-sealed sachets of dried leaves suspected to be marijuana weighing a total of 1.4 grams (with an estimated street value of ₱350), and a box of Winston cigarettes containing two sticks.
The second minor was found in possession of two ₱1,000 bills, one ₱500 bill, and a separate sachet of suspected marijuana weighing 1.5 grams, estimated to be worth ₱400.
Authorities said both minors were brought under the care of the MSWD for the initiation of proper intervention, as required by the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.
The recovery of foreign currency and high-value items, including smartphones, has prompted police to continue their investigation to determine whether other thefts may be connected.
