SIBUTU, Tawi-Tawi — Authorities seized approximately seven kilograms of suspected shabu worth ₱47.6 million and arrested two high-value drug suspects during a large-scale anti-illegal drug operation carried out by multiple law enforcement agencies in the island municipality of Sibutu on Wednesday, March 11.
The successful buy-bust operation was conducted through the joint efforts of the Sibutu Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-BARMM), with support from the Tawi-Tawi Police Provincial Office (PPO) and several other security units.
Also participating in the operation were personnel from the Coast Guard Station Central Tawi-Tawi through the Coast Guard Sub-Station Sibutu, the Marine Battalion Landing Team-4 (MBLT-4), the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 14B, RMFB 1405th, and the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of Tawi-Tawi PPO.
Authorities reported that operatives confiscated seven Chinese teabag-style heat-sealed plastic packs containing a white crystalline substance believed to be methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu. The illegal drugs weighed approximately seven kilograms and were estimated to have a street value of ₱47,600,000.
Police also confirmed the arrest of two individuals classified as High-Value Targets (HVTs) in the government’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs. The identities of the suspects were withheld pending further investigation and documentation of the case.
Officials said the operation demonstrates the continuing effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in combating illegal drug networks, particularly in coastal and border areas such as Tawi-Tawi that are vulnerable to transnational smuggling activities.
The operation was conducted in line with the directive of Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao Commander Commodore Rejard V. Marfe, who earlier emphasized the need to strengthen coordination among law enforcement agencies to combat illegal drugs and enhance maritime security in the region.
The Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), under the leadership of Regional Director PBGen Jaysen C. De Guzman, also commended the participating units for the successful operation.
Authorities said the confiscation of over ₱47 million worth of illegal drugs sends a strong and unmistakable message to drug traffickers that security forces in Tawi-Tawi remain relentless in protecting communities from the destructive effects of narcotics.
Law enforcement officials further assured the public that intelligence-driven operations will continue, with authorities committed to filing airtight cases in court against those involved in the illegal drug trade.
“This accomplishment reflects the unwavering commitment of our law enforcement agencies to safeguard communities and sustain a safer and drug-free Tawi-Tawi,” authorities said in a statement.
Investigators are now working to trace the source and distribution network of the seized narcotics, as well as determine whether the suspects are linked to larger drug trafficking syndicates operating in the southern maritime borders of the Philippines.