Cotabato City – A joint anti-drug operation led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-BARMM), in coordination with the 34th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, resulted in the arrest of a suspected drug personality and the seizure of firearms and a grenade on July 29, 2025.
The suspect, identified only as Alias Mascod, was apprehended in Purok 1, Balacayon, Pahamuddin, within the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of BARMM, during a buy-bust operation conducted by operatives from PDEA BARMM’s Regional Special Enforcement Team, Maguindanao Provincial Office, Land Interdiction Unit, and Intelligence Section.
Authorities confiscated an estimated five grams of suspected shabu, marked buy-bust money, assorted drug paraphernalia, an identification card, and several deadly weapons. These include a caliber 1911 Springfield Armory .45 pistol, a revolver-type handgun, an MK2 hand grenade, and live ammunition.
The suspect is facing multiple charges under Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, Republic Act No. 10591 for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and Republic Act No. 9516 for illegal possession of explosives.
PDEA BARMM reaffirmed its commitment to intensify efforts to eradicate illegal drugs in the region and called on the public to remain vigilant and supportive of government-led anti-drug operations.