Koronadal City, South Cotabato — In a sustained crackdown on illegal drugs and criminal activity, authorities arrested three suspects and confiscated firearms and illegal substances during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Caloocan, Koronadal City on August 1, 2025.
The intelligence-driven operation was jointly conducted by personnel from the Koronadal City Police Station and the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, both under the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office. It resulted in the apprehension of three individuals identified only by their aliases: “Niro,” 41, and “Jared,” 45, both residents of Koronadal City; and “Junel,” 23, from Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.
According to the Police Regional Office 12 (PRO 12), led by Regional Director Police Brigadier General Romeo J. Macapaz, authorities recovered four sachets of suspected shabu weighing 15.03 grams with an estimated street value of ₱102,000. Also seized during the operation were a ₱1,000 marked bill used in the buy-bust, a homemade break-even pistol, a 12-gauge firearm, two motorcycles, and assorted drug paraphernalia.
The suspects and the confiscated evidence were brought to the Koronadal City Police Station for proper documentation and disposition.
PBGEN Macapaz lauded the swift action of the operating units and underscored the regional police’s unwavering commitment to eliminating illegal drugs in SOCCSKSARGEN through intelligence-based operations.
“This should serve as a strong warning—we will not stop until all those involved in illegal drugs are held accountable. The recovered firearms pose a serious threat and may be linked to past or future crimes,” said Macapaz.
The arrested suspects are expected to face charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and illegal possession of firearms.