Maguindanao del Sur – In a series of successful anti-illegal drug operations across the province, authorities arrested three drug suspects and seized over PHP 88,000 worth of suspected shabu from July 16 to 21, 2025.
On July 21, a joint operation by personnel of the Pagalungan Municipal Police Station and the 4th Platoon of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) led to the arrest of two suspects in Barangay Poblacion, Pagalungan. The operation resulted in the confiscation of approximately 2.2 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP 15,000.
Also recovered from the suspects were five empty plastic sachets, various drug paraphernalia, three live 7.62mm ammunition, and PHP 1,350.00 in cash. Charges are being prepared against the individuals for violating Sections 5, 11, and 12 of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Earlier, on July 17, a checkpoint operation by Datu Piang Municipal Police Station in Barangay Kanguan, Datu Piang, led to the arrest of a suspect identified as alias “Hayme.” During a routine inspection, police recovered three sachets of suspected shabu weighing about 0.5 grams with an estimated street value of PHP 3,400. Also seized were an improvised tooter and a lighter used for drug consumption.
Meanwhile, on July 16, a buy-bust operation conducted by the Shariff Aguak Municipal Drug Enforcement Unit (MDEU) in Barangay Mother Poblacion, Shariff Aguak resulted in the arrest of a suspect known as alias “Satar.” The suspect yielded approximately 10.3 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP 70,040, along with a gray wallet and marked buy-bust money.
All suspects are currently under police custody and face appropriate charges under RA 9165.
PCOL Sultan Salman H. Sapal, Provincial Director of the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (PPO), lauded the dedication of the operating units, emphasizing the police force’s unwavering commitment to the fight against illegal drugs.
“Let this serve as a clear and unequivocal warning: the men and women of the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, under my leadership, will relentlessly pursue and prosecute those involved in the illegal drug trade,” said PCOL Sapal. “We will not allow our communities to be destroyed by these harmful substances. Those who continue to engage in such illegal activities will face the full force of the law.”
The Maguindanao del Sur PPO vowed to intensify its campaign to rid the province of illegal drugs and ensure a safer environment for its residents.