MALABANG, Lanao del Sur — Authorities seized more than P2.4 million worth of suspected shabu and arrested two drug suspects during a successful anti-illegal drug operation in Barangay Matling, Malabang, Lanao del Sur on June 7, 2026.
The operation, led by the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU) of the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR), was carried out in coordination with the Malabang Municipal Police Station, 4th Special Action Battalion (SAF), 1403rd and 1402nd Regional Mobile Force Companies (RMFB 14-A), 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, and Alpha Company of the 51st Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army.
Authorities confiscated approximately 362.6 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated Standard Drug Price of P2,465,680.00.
Arrested during the buy-bust operation were two suspects identified only by their aliases, “Monalisa” and “Abdul.” However, their alleged cohort, known by the alias “Fahad,” was killed following an armed confrontation with law enforcement operatives.
Police reports revealed that the anti-illegal drug operation was conducted under PDEA Pre-Operation Coordination No. 15-00-06072026-002. Aside from the illegal drugs, authorities also recovered a gray Toyota Vios, a .38 caliber revolver loaded with two live rounds and one fired cartridge case, as well as the marked buy-bust money used during the transaction.
According to investigators, alias “Fahad” reportedly became aware of the ongoing police operation and the arrest of his companions. He allegedly opened fire at the responding operatives, triggering an armed encounter. During the exchange of gunfire, the suspect sustained a gunshot wound to the left upper chest.
The wounded suspect was immediately transported to Dr. Serapio Montañer Jr. Memorial Hospital for medical treatment but was later declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
Personnel from the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) of Lanao del Sur processed the encounter site to gather evidence and document the incident.
Meanwhile, the arrested suspects and all recovered evidence were brought to the Malabang Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and legal processing. The confiscated suspected shabu and other pieces of evidence will be submitted to the Regional Forensic Unit-BAR for laboratory examination and safekeeping.
Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Director Caezar P. Cabuhat commended the operating units for their seamless coordination and unwavering commitment to the government’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs.
“The success of this operation reflects the strong collaboration among law enforcement agencies and our determination to rid communities of illegal drugs and criminal elements,” Cabuhat said.
Authorities said the operation underscores the continuing efforts of security forces to dismantle drug networks and strengthen peace and public safety across Lanao del Sur and the Bangsamoro region.