GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Law enforcement authorities in Region 12 successfully conducted two separate operations on May 23, 2025, resulting in the arrest of a suspected drug peddler and one of the region’s most wanted criminals.
At around 8:43 AM, a joint buy-bust operation carried out by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 12 and Police Station 6 of the General Santos City Police Office led to the arrest of a drug suspect known by the alias “Balong.” The 49-year-old cobbler and resident of Barangay Labangal Extension was apprehended in Zone 7, Barangay Bula.
Seized during the operation were 18 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing a substance believed to be shabu, with an estimated weight of 8.2 grams and a street value of approximately Php 55,720. Authorities also recovered a Php 1,000 bill used as buy-bust money. The suspect and the confiscated items were taken to Police Station 6 for proper documentation and further legal action.
Later that morning, at around 11:30 AM, operatives from Police Station 6, in coordination with the Special Project High-Profile Target (SPHPT) unit, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12 (RMFB 12), the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group’s Regional Special Operations Team, and the Regional Forensic Unit 12, arrested another suspect identified as alias “Bert.”
The 20-year-old, unemployed resident of Barangay Lagao was apprehended by virtue of a warrant of arrest for Robbery with Homicide issued by Judge Andres B. Mission Jr. of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 37, 12th Judicial Region. No bail was recommended for the case. The suspect is currently detained at Police Station 6 pending further legal proceedings.
Police Regional Office 12 Director, PBGEN Arnold P. Ardiente, commended the personnel involved in both operations.
“We will continue to pursue those who choose to engage in this illegal trade and ensure they are held accountable,” he said, referring to the drug bust. “Let this serve as a strong message—there is no place for illegal drugs in our communities.”
On the arrest of the wanted person, Ardiente added: “The apprehension of one of the region’s most wanted individuals sends a strong message that no one is beyond the reach of justice. I commend the coordinated efforts of GSCPO, SPHPT, RMFB 12, and CIDG RFU 12 in executing this high-risk operation with professionalism and integrity.”
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and order across SOCCSKSARGEN by continuing their campaign against criminality and illegal drugs.