Cotabato City, May 1, 2025 — Authorities successfully arrested three suspects — two classified as High-Value Individuals (HVIs) and one as a Street-Level Individual (SLI) — and dismantled an active drug den during a buy-bust operation in Purok Duhat, Mother Barangay Bagua, Cotabato City on April 30.
The operation was part of the intensified anti-criminality and anti-illegal drugs campaign spearheaded by Philippine National Police Chief, PGen. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil. It was conducted through the joint efforts of the PDEA BARMM Maguindanao Provincial Office, the Regional Special Enforcement Team, PDEA BARMM Lanao Provincial Office, and PDEA BARMM Regional Intelligence Office, in coordination with Cotabato City Police Station 4 and the Maguindanao Maritime Police Station.
The arrested suspects, identified by their aliases “Omar” and “Pai” (both HVIs), and “Ali” (an SLI), were caught in the act of selling illegal drugs during the buy-bust. Authorities recovered approximately eight grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP 54,000. The drug den, reportedly used as a base of operations, was also dismantled during the raid.
The suspects and seized evidence are now under the custody of PDEA-BARMM for proper disposition and filing of appropriate charges.
“This successful operation proves our unwavering commitment to the fight against illegal drugs in the Bangsamoro region. Through strong inter-agency collaboration and continuous operations, we will keep dismantling drug networks and ensure the safety of our communities,” said PBGen Romeo J. Macapaz, Regional Director of Police Regional Office – BAR.