Cotabato City – A joint operation conducted by law enforcement agencies led to the successful arrest of a suspected drug dealer in Marawi City on March 12, 2025. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-BARMM), in coordination with the 45th Special Action Company (SAC) of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) and the Marawi City Police Station, executed the buy-bust operation at Purok 4, Barangay Matampay.
Regional Director Gil Cesario P. Castro hailed the operation as a significant achievement in the government’s persistent campaign against illegal drugs. He emphasized that such efforts are crucial in dismantling drug networks in Marawi City and its neighboring areas. “This is a significant accomplishment in our ongoing efforts along with the LGU Marawi City to dismantle drug networks operating in the area,” Castro stated.
The suspect, identified as Alyas Angko, a 35-year-old resident of Barangay Kanyugan Papandayan, Marawi City, was apprehended following weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance. Authorities revealed that Angko had been running an extensive illegal drug trade, reaching beyond the city and into nearby towns in Lanao del Sur.
During the operation, law enforcers confiscated five knot-tied transparent plastic sachets wrapped in packaging tape and an additional open transparent/black plastic sachet containing approximately 500 grams of illegal substances. The seized contraband has an estimated standard drug price of ₱3.4 million. Also recovered from the suspect were buy-bust money, identification cards, and a Honda motorcycle.
The successful operation underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating illegal drugs in the region. Authorities reaffirmed their dedication to continuing anti-drug operations to curb illicit drug activities and hold offenders accountable under the law.
The suspect is now under the custody of PDEA-BARMM and will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
