COTABATO CITY – Police have arrested a 31-year-old shabu dealer in Cotabato City following a tip-off from his own relatives and barangay officials, with authorities revealing that the suspect is allegedly linked to remaining members of terrorist groups Dawlah Islamiya and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
The suspect, identified as Sa-Anudin Sirad Maramdacan, was apprehended on Saturday, January 3, in Purok Pindulunan, Mother Barangay Poblacion during an entrapment operation conducted by operatives of Cotabato City Police Station 2 led by Captain Anuar Mambatao.
According to Col. Jibin Bongcayao, Cotabato City Police Director, and Brig. Gen. Jaysen De Guzman, Director of the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), Maramdacan was caught selling ₱544 worth of shabu to a police operative.
“The operation was made possible because of credible information from the suspect’s own family members and barangay officials,” Bongcayao said.
Alleged Terror Links Raise Serious Security Concerns
In a disturbing development, relatives of Maramdacan told police and local media that the suspect allegedly receives regular marijuana supplies from remaining members of Dawlah Islamiya and BIFF, groups that have been linked to past terrorist activities in parts of Mindanao.
The marijuana, according to the family, was being sold in remote and less monitored areas of Cotabato City, raising concerns that drug trafficking may be serving as a funding stream for extremist elements that have yet to surrender to the government.
This alleged connection underscores long-standing warnings from security officials that illegal drugs and terrorism are increasingly intertwined, with proceeds from narcotics potentially financing armed activities, recruitment, and logistics of extremist groups.
Family Breaks Silence
A maternal uncle of the suspect, who requested to be identified only as Akmad, said the family decided to report Maramdacan to authorities due to the shame and danger his activities were bringing to their clan and community.
“We could no longer tolerate what he was doing. It was not only destroying him, but it was putting our family and community at risk,” Akmad said.
City, Police Laud Informants
Mayor Bruce Matabalao, chairperson of the Cotabato City Peace and Order Council, along with Bongcayao and De Guzman, publicly commended the family members and barangay officials for their courage in reporting the suspect.
Authorities said this cooperation reflects the growing resolve of communities to reject both illegal drugs and violent extremism.
Facing Charges
Maramdacan is currently detained at a police detention facility and will face charges related to illegal drug trading. Police said further investigation is underway to verify and pursue the alleged links to terrorist groups.
Security officials emphasized that the case highlights the critical link between the drug menace and national security threats, urging the public to remain vigilant and to report any information that could help dismantle criminal and extremist networks.
“The fight against illegal drugs is also a fight against terrorism,” De Guzman said. “Every arrest weakens the networks that threaten peace and stability in the Bangsamoro and the entire country.”