GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Police arrested three individuals following a reported drug session inside a residence in Barangay Lagao, while a separate buy-bust operation in Barangay Dadiangas West led to the arrest of a 58-year-old farmer and the seizure of suspected shabu worth an estimated ₱68,000 and a .38-caliber revolver.
The two operations, conducted by personnel of the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO), resulted in the recovery of suspected illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, firearms and ammunition as police continued their campaign against illegal drugs and loose firearms in the city.
Three Arrested After Police Respond to Reported Drug Session
The first incident occurred at around 7:50 a.m. on September 18, 2026, along Ladrera Street corner Calina Street in Barangay Lagao.
Personnel of Police Station 3 of the GSCPO responded to a report of an alleged drug session being held inside a residence in the area.
Upon entering the residence, responding police officers allegedly encountered three men who were reportedly engaged in a drug session.
Police said the situation escalated when one of the individuals allegedly drew a firearm and fired a shot, prompting a struggle between the man and one of the responding police officers.
Despite the confrontation, police were able to subdue and arrest the three individuals.
Authorities said the suspects are facing possible charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Police also recovered suspected illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia and a firearm from the area.
The recovered items were placed under police custody, with marking, inventory, documentation and further investigation still ongoing as authorities establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the appropriate charges against the arrested individuals.
Regional Director PBGEN Alan B. Manibog emphasized the importance of a prompt but controlled police response when officers confront potentially armed individuals during anti-drug operations.
“Mabilis na pagtugon at maingat na police intervention ang mahalaga sa ganitong sitwasyon. Patuloy nating ipatutupad ang batas habang tinitiyak ang kaligtasan ng ating mga tauhan at ng publiko,” Manibog said.
Farmer Arrested in Separate Buy-Bust Operation
Hours earlier, police in another operation arrested a 58-year-old farmer during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Dadiangas West.
The operation was conducted by personnel of Police Station 1 of the GSCPO at around 12:48 a.m. on September 17, 2026.
The suspect was identified by police only through the alias “Skorer.” Authorities said he is a farmer and a resident of Polomolok, South Cotabato.
Police said the operation resulted in the recovery of approximately 10 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated standard drug price of ₱68,000.
The seized suspected shabu reportedly included the substance used as the buy-bust item as well as additional sachets allegedly containing the same suspected illegal drug.
Authorities also recovered a .38-caliber revolver loaded with five live rounds of ammunition, along with the buy-bust money, a coin purse and a sling bag.
Police said the seized items were marked and inventoried at the scene in the presence of the required witnesses and the suspect, in accordance with the procedures governing the handling and documentation of seized evidence.
The suspect was also informed of his constitutional rights.
Police said charges are being prepared against “Skorer” for alleged violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of RA 9165, involving the alleged sale and possession of dangerous drugs, as well as RA 10591, involving the alleged illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Police Intensify Focus on Drugs and Loose Firearms
The two operations highlight the continuing law-enforcement focus in General Santos City on the combined threat posed by illegal drugs and unregistered or illegally possessed firearms.
In both incidents, police reported the recovery of suspected illegal drugs and firearms, although the circumstances of the two cases were separate and remain subject to investigation and the filing of formal charges.
Manibog said the operations reflect the police force’s continuing effort to prevent illegal drugs and loose firearms from reaching communities.
“Sa bawat operasyon, malinaw ang ating paninindigan sugpuin ang ilegal na droga at armas at panatilihing ligtas ang ating mga komunidad,” Manibog said.
Police authorities are continuing the documentation and investigation of the cases, including the examination of the seized evidence and the preparation of complaints for appropriate prosecution.
The arrested individuals remain under police custody pending the filing and resolution of the appropriate charges.
As in all criminal cases, the allegations against the suspects remain subject to the evidence presented in court, and the arrested individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.