A suspected drug personality was arrested after authorities confiscated more than ₱175,000 worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Kipalbig, Municipality of Tampakan, South Cotabato, on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
The anti-drug operation was jointly conducted by the South Cotabato Police Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) and the Tampakan Municipal Police Station–Municipal Drug Enforcement Unit (MDEU), in close coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 12.
Authorities identified the arrested suspect only by the alias “Joemar,” 30 years old, and a resident of Barangay Kipalbig.
During the operation, law enforcement operatives recovered approximately 25.79 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated Standard Drug Price (SDP) of ₱175,372. Also seized were the marked buy-bust money used during the transaction and other pieces of non-drug evidence believed to be connected to the illegal drug activity.
The confiscated suspected illegal drugs have been submitted for laboratory examination to determine their composition and confirm their evidentiary value. Meanwhile, criminal charges for violations of Sections 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared against the suspect.
Police Regional Office 12 Acting Regional Director, Police Brigadier General Alan B. Manibog, reaffirmed the Philippine National Police’s commitment to intensifying its anti-illegal drug campaign, stressing that authorities will remain relentless in pursuing individuals involved in the illegal drug trade.
“Hindi tayo titigil hangga’t may mga nagtatangkang magkalat ng ilegal na droga sa ating mga komunidad. Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating kampanya upang maprotektahan ang kinabukasan ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” Manibog said.
The latest operation forms part of the continuing anti-illegal drug efforts of PRO 12 aimed at dismantling local drug networks and preventing the proliferation of prohibited substances across communities in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region.
Authorities urged the public to continue supporting law enforcement by reporting suspicious drug-related activities, emphasizing that community cooperation remains vital in sustaining the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.