Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat – In a major breakthrough in the region’s intensified anti-drug campaign, operatives of Police Regional Office 12 (PRO 12) arrested two High-Value Individuals (HVIs) and seized a total of ₱544,000 worth of suspected shabu in two separate buy-bust operations on May 1, 2025, in Barangay Villamor, Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat.
The first operation, conducted by joint personnel of Esperanza Municipal Police Station, Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU), Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), and the 1202nd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12 (RMFB 12), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), led to the arrest of a suspect identified as alias “Fred,” 53, a government employee and resident of Banga, South Cotabato. Listed as an HVI in the regional drug watchlist, “Fred” was caught in possession of three sachets of suspected shabu weighing approximately 25 grams, valued at ₱170,000. Authorities also recovered ₱500 in marked money.
In a separate buy-bust operation in the same barangay, authorities arrested another HVI identified as alias “Amir,” 27, a resident of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Sur. Recovered from the suspect were two sachets of suspected shabu with an estimated weight of 55 grams and a standard drug price of ₱374,000, along with ₱500 in marked money.
Both suspects and the seized illegal drugs were brought to Esperanza Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and legal disposition.
PBGEN Arnold P. Ardiente, Regional Director of PRO 12, lauded the operatives for their coordinated efforts, saying, “These arrests send a strong message that PRO 12 remains resolute in its commitment to eradicate illegal drugs and maintain peace and order, particularly as we approach the election period. We will not allow criminal elements to disrupt the safety and integrity of our communities.”
He also emphasized that PRO 12 will continue its relentless campaign against illegal drugs to ensure a safer SOCCSKSARGEN region.