January 8, 2025, Tupi, South Cotabato — A major anti-drug operation led by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 12 (RPDEU 12) culminated in the arrest of six suspects, including two high-value individuals (HVIs) and a minor, in Barangay Poblacion, Tupi, South Cotabato. The operation, conducted in collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies, highlights the ongoing efforts to curb illegal drug activities in Region 12.
The buy-bust operation was executed by RPDEU 12 with the assistance of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Group-Special Operations Unit 12 (PDEG-SOU 12), Regional Intelligence Division 12 (RID 12), 1st South Cotabato Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st SCPMFC), Tupi Municipal Police Station (Tupi MPS), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 12.
Arrested Individuals
Authorities identified the suspects as follows:
- Alyas “Dante” (HVI), 43, widower, driver, resident of Purok Malipayon, Brgy. Apopong, General Santos City.
- Alyas “Budin” (HVI), 34, married, fish vendor, resident of Brgy. Apopong, General Santos City.
- Alyas “Toto” Jr. (SLI), 26, single, driver, resident of Phase 2, Foremost Village, Brgy. Apopong, General Santos City.
- Alyas “Abdul” (SLI), 34, married, tricycle driver, resident of Purok Vista, Brgy. Sinawal, General Santos City.
- Alyas “Don” (SLI), 24, married, fish vendor, resident of Pasig Street, Brgy. Poblacion, Dalican, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao Del Norte.
- Alias “Kol” (Newly Identified), 14, single, fish vendor, resident of Brgy. Benolen, Dalican, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao Del Norte.
Confiscated Items
During the operation, authorities seized the following items:
- Fifteen (15) heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu with an estimated street value of Php 1,156,000.00.
- One (1) genuine one-thousand-peso bill used as buy-bust money.
- Eight (8) fake one-thousand-peso bills as boodle money.
- One (1) gray Toyota Vios.
The confiscated items were inventoried and marked on-site in the presence of the Barangay Chairman of Barangay Poblacion, Tupi, South Cotabato, and a media practitioner. The suspected shabu has been forwarded to the South Cotabato Provincial Forensic Unit in Barangay Morales, Koronadal City, for laboratory examination.
Law Enforcement Statement
The suspects are currently in the custody of the Tupi Municipal Police Station for further documentation and legal proceedings.
PBGEN Arnold P. Ardiente, OIC of Police Regional Office 12, lauded the operatives for their dedication and success in the operation. “This successful buy-bust operation is proof of our unrelenting efforts to eradicate illegal drugs in Region 12. We will continue to strengthen our operations and collaborations with other agencies to ensure a safer and drug-free community,” he stated.
The operation underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies in Region 12 to combat the proliferation of illegal drugs, ensuring the safety and well-being of communities in the region.