KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — A series of intensified law enforcement operations conducted by the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office (SCPPO) has led to the arrest of multiple wanted individuals, drug suspects, and anti-smuggling violators across the province, police officials reported.
Under the leadership of Provincial Director Samuel T. Cadungon, the SCPPO carried out coordinated operations in several municipalities, reinforcing its campaign against criminality and illegal activities.
Authorities confirmed the arrest of a wanted person identified as alias “War” in the municipality of Surallah. The suspect was apprehended by virtue of a warrant of arrest for Acts of Lasciviousness. Police did not disclose further details about the suspect’s identity pending legal proceedings.
Simultaneously, intensified anti-smuggling efforts in Lake Sebu, Norala, and Santo Niño resulted in the apprehension of several individuals involved in the illegal trade of cigarettes. Authorities confiscated smuggled tobacco products, with an estimated market value of ₱641,760 recorded in operations conducted by the Santo Niño Municipal Police Station alone.
Police said the suspects will face charges for violations of Republic Act No. 10643 and Republic Act No. 10863, which penalize the unlawful importation and distribution of excisable goods.
In a separate set of operations, anti-illegal drug units conducted buy-bust operations in Tantangan, Polomolok, and Koronadal City, leading to the arrest of multiple drug suspects. Authorities recovered suspected shabu along with marked buy-bust money used during the operations.
Charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9165 are being prepared against the arrested individuals, according to police.
All suspects were informed of their constitutional rights at the time of arrest and are currently under police custody awaiting proper legal disposition. Seized evidence has been properly inventoried and will be submitted to forensic laboratories and relevant authorities for examination and case build-up.
Police officials said the successful operations highlight the SCPPO’s continued commitment to maintaining peace and order in South Cotabato.
“These accomplishments reflect our intensified campaign against all forms of criminality. We remain steadfast in ensuring the safety and security of our communities,” Cadungon said.
The SCPPO vowed to sustain its aggressive operations as part of its broader mandate to protect residents and uphold the rule of law across the province.