BANGA, South Cotabato – Two high-value individuals (HVIs) were arrested during a successful anti-drug operation jointly conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) South Cotabato, PDEA Regional Office 12, Banga Municipal Police Station, South Cotabato Police Provincial Office (SCPPO), and the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 12 (RPDEU 12) on Friday, October 10, 2025, in Barangay Rizal Poblacion.
The coordinated buy-bust operation led to the arrest of two identified HVIs known as alias “Pogi,” 33, and alias “Bart,” 21, both residents of Barangay Rizal Poblacion. Authorities also apprehended another individual at the scene.
Recovered from the suspects were 18 sachets of suspected shabu weighing approximately 16 grams, with an estimated street value of ₱108,800.00 based on the National Standard Drug Price. Law enforcers also confiscated three opened sachets containing shabu residue, an aluminum foil strip, two improvised tooters, two disposable lighters, one improvised lighter, a pair of scissors, and a ₱1,000 marked bill used as buy-bust money.
All suspects and seized evidence were brought to the PDEA South Cotabato Office for proper documentation and disposition.
PDEA and police officials lauded the successful operation, emphasizing the importance of sustained collaboration in the government’s anti-illegal drug campaign.
“This successful operation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to suppress the proliferation of illegal drugs in the region. We will continue to strengthen our partnerships with PDEA and other law enforcement agencies to ensure that those involved in the drug trade are held accountable,” said PBGEN Ardiente.
Authorities said charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared against the arrested suspects.