PARANG, Sulu — Seven suspected drug personalities were arrested after a joint buy-bust operation led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Sulu in Barangay Guimba Lagasan, Parang, Sulu, on Sunday afternoon, September 13, 2026.
The operation was conducted at around 2:45 p.m. under the direction of PDEA-Sulu team leader Reaslie Calibo, according to the initial report.
Authorities also dismantled a site allegedly being used as a drug den by the suspects.
PDEA reported that the seven arrested individuals were between 20 and 48 years old and included a fisherman, vendors, a scavenger and unemployed individuals. Five of those arrested were identified as residents of Barangay Kulasi, Maimbung, while the others were from Lagasan Asibi and Guimba Lagasan in Parang.
Authorities reportedly seized approximately 15 grams of suspected shabu, along with drug paraphernalia and other pieces of evidence.
The confiscated suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride was placed at an estimated ₱24,000 street value and ₱102,000 national value, based on the figures provided by authorities.
The suspects were identified in the initial report as Asis Muksan Abdusalim, 48; Mads Annang Majidun, 30; Aldaser Ismud Rahsil, 20; Hidan Muhaymin Paddam, 25; Kabagiya Jallaha Sali, 38; and Alian Fabian Lutian, 40. The source material, however, lists seven individuals as arrested but provides identifying information for only six, so the identity of the seventh suspect could not be independently established from the information available.
The arrested individuals are set to face complaints for alleged violations of Sections 5, 6, 7, 11 and 12 of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, according to the report.
Section 5 covers the illegal sale, trading, administration, delivery and distribution of dangerous drugs, while Section 6 concerns the operation of a drug den. The other cited provisions cover related prohibited activities involving dangerous drugs and drug paraphernalia.
The operation was carried out through the coordinated efforts of PDEA-Sulu and several law enforcement and security units, including the Sulu Police Provincial Office Provincial Intelligence Unit, Parang Municipal Police Station, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, 41st Infantry Battalion, 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, PNP Regional Intelligence Unit IX, and Regional Mobile Force Battalion IX-B.
The suspects and the confiscated items were brought under government custody for documentation, investigation and the filing of appropriate charges.
The case remains subject to further investigation and court proceedings. The allegations against the arrested individuals have yet to be resolved by the courts.