Cotabato City — Authorities arrested two individuals in separate anti-illegal drug buy-bust operations conducted on April 9, 2025, as part of the intensified campaign against illegal drugs in the city.
The first operation took place at around 2:20 p.m. in Purok Abedin, Mother Barangay Kalanganan. Personnel from Police Station 4 – Cotabato City Police Office (CCPO), led by PCPT Kenneth Van A. Encabo and supported by the City Police Drug Enforcement Unit (CPDEU), the 1404th RMFB 14-A, and the Maguindanao Maritime Police Station, in coordination with PDEA-BARMM, arrested a 29-year-old male suspect known by the alias “Erap.” The suspect, a jobless resident of the area, was tagged as a high-value individual.
Later that day, at around 4:15 p.m., another buy-bust operation was conducted by Police Station 2 – CCPO SDET, led by PMAJ Teofisto R. Ferrer Jr., in coordination with PDEA-BARMM. The operation took place in Barangay Rosary Heights 1 and resulted in the arrest of a 24-year-old male resident of Barangay Bagua II. The suspect, described as self-employed and married, was also identified as a high-value target.
Both operations were carried out under the supervision of PCOL Jibin M. Bongcayao, City Director of Cotabato City Police Office.
Authorities continue to call on the public to support the ongoing efforts to rid communities of illegal drugs and report suspicious activities to the proper authorities.