ESPERANZA, Sultan Kudarat — Two alleged high-value drug personalities were arrested while more than ₱715,000 worth of suspected shabu was confiscated during a successful anti-illegal drug operation conducted in Barangay Villamor, Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat on June 9, 2026.
Authorities identified the arrested suspects only by their aliases, “Troy,” 40, a resident of Katangawan, General Santos City, and “Tan-tan,” 30, of Conel, General Santos City. Both were classified as High-Value Individuals (HVIs) in the government’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs.
The operation was carried out through a coordinated buy-bust operation led by the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (SKPDEU), together with the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Intelligence Unit (SKPIU), Esperanza Municipal Police Station (MPS), 2nd Sultan Kudarat Provincial Mobile Force Company (SKPMFC), and the 1202nd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12 (RMFB 12), in close coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
During the operation, law enforcement officers recovered approximately 105 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of ₱715,000, dealing a significant blow to the illegal drug trade in the area.
The suspects were immediately taken into custody and transported to the Esperanza Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and legal processing. Meanwhile, the confiscated illegal substances have been submitted for laboratory examination to confirm their composition and serve as evidence in the filing of appropriate criminal charges against the suspects.
Police said the successful operation highlights the continuing efforts of law enforcement agencies to dismantle drug networks operating within Region 12 and neighboring areas.
PBGEN Alan B. Manibog, Acting Regional Director of Police Regional Office 12, lauded the operating units for their coordinated and effective execution of the anti-drug operation.
He reiterated the commitment of PRO 12 to sustain aggressive actions against illegal drug activities and ensure that those involved in the narcotics trade are held accountable under the law.
“Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang kampanya laban sa ilegal na droga upang mapanatiling ligtas at payapa ang ating mga komunidad. Hindi tayo titigil hangga’t hindi napapanagot ang mga sangkot sa iligal na gawain,” Manibog said.
Authorities emphasized that the operation forms part of the government’s broader campaign to eradicate illegal drugs, disrupt criminal networks, and protect communities from the harmful effects of narcotics.
An investigation is ongoing to determine the possible links of the arrested suspects to larger drug syndicates operating in Sultan Kudarat and nearby provinces. Charges for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are being prepared against the suspects.