MALIDEGAO, Special Geographic Area–BARMM — A suspected drug den was dismantled during a joint anti-drug operation conducted by government forces on Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Sitio Bundola, Barangay Nabundas, Malidegao, a Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) that was formerly part of Pikit, Cotabato.
The operation, carried out at around 11:30 a.m., was led by operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)–BARMM and PDEA Special Geographic Area under the supervision of Atty. Eugene Daniel Morcilla, in coordination with personnel from the 40th Infantry Battalion (40IB) of the Philippine Army.
Authorities confirmed that the raid resulted in the death of the operation’s primary target and the arrest of four other individuals, following a brief armed confrontation that erupted during the buy-bust operation.
Drug Den Dismantled
According to initial reports, authorities were able to dismantle a suspected drug den operating within the property in Sitio Bundola.
During the operation, law enforcers confiscated approximately 20 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of about ₱60,000 and a standard drug price value of ₱136,000.
Among the seized illegal drugs were:
- One sachet of suspected shabu worth ₱1,000, used as the object of sale during the buy-bust operation
- Twenty-six additional sachets of suspected shabu considered as objects of possession
Authorities also recovered several drug paraphernalia from the site, including three all-weather glass tooters and six glass vials or tubes, believed to have been used in the illegal drug activity.
Firefight Erupts During Operation
The primary target of the operation was identified as Masrulah Guialudin, also known as “Ola.”
Reports said that while the buy-bust operation was ongoing, an unidentified group of armed men suddenly opened fire toward the composite team conducting the operation.
Operatives were forced to return fire, triggering a short exchange of gunfire.
After the firefight, authorities conducted a clearing operation in the area with the assistance of troops from the 40th Infantry Battalion.
During the clearing operation, operatives discovered the wounded body of Guialudin, who later succumbed to his injuries.
Photographs circulating online also showed operatives carrying the body of a man from the targeted property following the raid.
Four Suspects Arrested
Four other individuals were arrested during the operation. Authorities identified them as:
- Gapor Isla, alias “Gapo,” 32, a farmer and resident of Barangay Nabundas, Pikit, North Cotabato
- Edward Decatalina, alias “Edward,” 34, a garbage collector from Barangay Lamak, Pikit
- Alenor Manganbit Kapal, alias “Mata,” 19, a farmer and resident of Datu Montawal
- Kokoy Lagasan Diagao, alias “Butsokoy,” 45, a farmer from Lagasan, Kilangan
Weapons and Other Evidence Seized
Aside from illegal drugs and paraphernalia, authorities also seized several non-drug items believed to be linked to the suspects’ activities, including:
- One pistol Model 27 (caliber 7.65) with a magazine and three live ammunition
- One rifle scope
- A black belt bag
- Three lighters
- Three bamboo sealers
- Five pieces of aluminum foil
- Two identification cards
- Three pairs of scissors
- ₱870 cash
- Four smartphones
- One Nokia keypad cellphone
Authorities also recovered the marked ₱1,000 buy-bust money used during the operation.
Charges Filed
The arrested suspects will face charges for violations of Sections 5, 6, 7, 11, and 12 of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as well as Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Officials confirmed that all members of the operating team were safe and accounted for after the operation.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities are continuing to verify additional details surrounding the raid and the circumstances that led to the armed confrontation.
Officials have yet to release a full statement on whether the unidentified armed men who opened fire were linked to the suspects or part of an organized group operating in the area.
Further information is expected as the investigation progresses.