MALUNGON, SARANGANI PROVINCE — In a decisive blow against the illegal drug trade, the Sarangani Police Provincial Office (SPPO) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 12 successfully carried out an anti-drug operation that led to the arrest of three high-value individuals (HVIs) on Saturday evening, October 11, 2025.
The operation, launched by joint elements of the Malungon Municipal Police Station (MPS), PDEA-12 SarGen, and the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU-SPPO) under the leadership of PLTCOL Geovanni E. Ladeo, Chief of Police, stemmed from a validated tip received through a cellphone call from a concerned citizen.
At around 8:00 p.m., authorities conducted a buy-bust operation at the residence of a known HVI identified as alias “Jack,” 45, a farmer, in Sitio Adelfa, Barangay Malandag, Malungon. The suspect was caught red-handed after selling a heat-sealed plastic sachet containing suspected shabu, weighing about one gram and valued at ₱4,000, to a poseur-buyer.
During the subsequent search, police recovered seven additional sachets of suspected shabu, weighing around seven grams with an estimated street value of ₱28,000, along with ₱1,000 marked money, three ₱1,000 boodle bills, and one Samsung analog cellphone.
Also apprehended in the operation were two other high-value targets: alias “Jun-Jun,” 45, a construction worker from Lower Labay, General Santos City, and alias “Jo,” 38, a farmer from Barangay Tinagacan, General Santos City.
In total, the seized suspected illegal drugs weighed approximately eight grams, with a Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) estimated value of ₱32,000. All seized evidence was properly inventoried in the presence of a Barangay Kagawad from Barangay Atlae, Malungon, and a media representative, ensuring full compliance with legal procedures.
The suspects were informed of their constitutional rights in the Visayan dialect and subsequently brought to the PDEA-12 office in Koronadal City, South Cotabato for custody and further examination of the confiscated evidence.
Charges for violation of Sections 5, 6, 7, 11, and 12, Article II of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) will be filed against the arrested individuals through inquest proceedings.
“This operation is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Sarangani PNP and PDEA-12 in eradicating the drug menace in the province,” the SPPO said in a statement.
Authorities vowed to continue their relentless campaign against illegal drugs to ensure peace and safety in Sarangani and neighboring areas.