Isulan, Sultan Kudarat — A high-value drug suspect was arrested and a large cache of illegal drugs and firearms was seized during a coordinated law enforcement operation in Barangay Kalawag 2, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat on the night of February 7, 2026.
Operatives of the Isulan Municipal Police Station (MPS), 1st Sultan Kudarat Police Mobile Force Company, Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Enforcement and Control Unit (SKPECU), Sultan Kudarat Police Highway Patrol Team, and the 1202nd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 12 (PDEA RO-12), jointly implemented multiple search warrants at around 10:30 p.m.
The operation was conducted pursuant to three search warrants issued by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 19, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat on February 4, 2026. These included Search Warrant No. 26-567 for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Search Warrant No. 26-568 for violation of Republic Act 9516 (illegal possession of explosives), and Search Warrant No. 26-569 for violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).
Authorities served the warrants at the residence of alias “Tata,” a 42-year-old married, self-employed resident of the area, who was identified as a High-Value Individual (HVI) in the illegal drug trade. The operation, conducted under PDEA Pre-Operations Control No. 13-00-02072026-004, lasted from 8:38 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and resulted in his arrest.
During the search, operatives recovered six large heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing a total of 60 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated standard drug price of ₱408,000. Also seized were a homemade caliber .38 revolver without serial number, five live .38-caliber ammunition, and one M76A1 high-explosive rifle grenade.
In addition, authorities confiscated assorted drug paraphernalia and personal items, including a tooter, a green lighter, a pack of Canon cigarettes, a blue-and-black backpack, and a Baofeng radio box, which are believed to have been used in the suspect’s illegal activities.
Police officials said the search and seizure operation was conducted in an orderly and professional manner and was witnessed by mandatory witnesses, including an elected barangay official and a media representative, in compliance with existing laws and procedures.
The seized items were properly marked and inventoried at the scene in the presence of the suspect and witnesses, in accordance with the chain-of-custody requirements under Republic Act 9165.
Following the operation, the suspect and all confiscated evidence were brought to the Isulan Municipal Police Station for documentation, laboratory examination, and proper disposition. Criminal charges for violations of the Dangerous Drugs Act, Firearms Law, and illegal possession of explosives are now being prepared against the suspect.
Police authorities described the successful operation as a significant blow to illegal drug activities in the municipality, particularly involving high-value targets linked to the distribution of dangerous drugs.
“The arrest of a high-value individual and the recovery of illegal drugs, firearms, and explosives underscore our commitment to protecting the community from criminal elements,” local police officials said in a statement.
Law enforcement agencies reiterated their call for continued public cooperation in reporting illegal activities, stressing that community support remains vital in sustaining peace, order, and safety in Sultan Kudarat and the entire SOCCSKSARGEN Region.