KABACAN, Cotabato — A barangay official from the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was arrested during a joint law enforcement operation that led to the seizure of suspected illegal drugs and an unlicensed firearm in Kabacan, Cotabato, authorities said.
The operation was carried out on the morning of July 28, 2026, in Sitio Lumayong, Barangay Kayaga, Kabacan, where police operatives simultaneously implemented search warrants for violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act No. 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Arrested was alias “Wad,” 27, a Barangay Kagawad of Barangay Gokotan, Maridagao, Special Geographic Area (SGA), BARMM.
During the search, authorities recovered seven sachets of suspected shabu weighing approximately 15 grams, with an estimated Standard Drug Price (SDP) of ₱102,000. Also seized were one caliber .38 revolver and three live cartridges, which authorities said were possessed without the necessary legal authorization.
The suspect was immediately taken into police custody and is expected to face criminal charges for violations of the country’s anti-illegal drugs and firearms laws. The confiscated evidence was turned over to the appropriate authorities for documentation and laboratory examination as part of the case build-up.
The successful operation forms part of the intensified anti-criminality and anti-illegal drugs campaign being conducted by law enforcement agencies in the region, particularly targeting individuals allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade and the possession of unlicensed firearms.
Police officials emphasized that holding public office does not exempt anyone from the full force of the law, reaffirming that anti-criminal operations will continue regardless of a suspect’s position or status.
Acting Regional Director PBGEN Alan B. Manibog underscored the Philippine National Police’s commitment to impartial law enforcement.
“Patuloy nating ipatutupad ang batas nang walang kinikilingan. Ang bawat matagumpay na operasyon ay nagpapakita ng ating matibay na paninindigan laban sa ilegal na droga at iligal na mga baril upang mapanatiling ligtas ang ating mga komunidad,” Manibog said.
The arrest adds to a series of intensified anti-drug operations across Mindanao as authorities continue efforts to dismantle illegal drug networks while simultaneously curbing the proliferation of loose firearms, both of which remain major threats to peace, public safety, and security in the region. Investigators are also expected to determine whether the suspect has links to a broader illegal drug distribution network operating within the SGA and neighboring communities.