AMPATUAN and RAJAH BUAYAN, Maguindanao del Sur — Two suspected drug personalities were arrested in separate anti-drug operations conducted by local police units on June 16 and 17, 2025, reinforcing law enforcement’s continuing crackdown on illegal drug activities in the province.
In Ampatuan, a 37-year-old male suspect known by the alias “Sala,” who is currently unemployed, was arrested in a buy-bust operation at around 5:40 PM on June 16 in Purok Bayanihan, Barangay Kamasi. The operation was spearheaded by the Ampatuan Municipal Police Station under the leadership of PMAJ Jocyviel S. Zamora, in coordination with the Provincial Intelligence Unit, Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, 1st and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Companies, and RID-RIAT, and conducted under the directive of PCOL Ryan Bobby C. Paloma, Acting Provincial Director of the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office.
Authorities caught the suspect red-handed after selling two grams of suspected shabu to an undercover officer for Php 15,000 in marked money. Police revealed that the suspect is not a local resident and had deliberately chosen Ampatuan as the site for his illegal drug transaction. He is currently detained at the Ampatuan MPS pending the filing of charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Meanwhile, in Rajah Buayan, another drug suspect, identified only by the alias “Kempie,” was apprehended on June 17 at approximately 6:30 PM after a concerned citizen tipped off authorities about drug activities in the public market area of Barangay Sapakan. The operation was led by PCPT Argie A. Eyana, Acting Chief of Police of Rajah Buayan MPS.
Confiscated from the suspect was a sachet containing approximately 0.06 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of ₱408. He is now under police custody, and formal charges are being prepared against him for violation of RA 9165.
The Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office praised the success of both operations, particularly emphasizing the crucial role of community cooperation. “These arrests demonstrate the power of citizen involvement in our fight against illegal drugs,” the police stated. “Together with vigilant members of the community, we can build a safer and drug-free environment.”