BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi — Authorities seized approximately 500 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, with an estimated standard drug price of ₱3.4 million during an anti-illegal drug operation in Barangay Poblacion Market, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, on the night of October 16, 2026.
However, the operation took a dangerous turn when the primary target, identified only by the alias “Karim,” and his alleged accomplices reportedly opened fire on the operating team shortly after a poseur-buyer completed the transaction. The suspects subsequently escaped aboard a speedboat toward open waters, prompting authorities to launch a manhunt.
According to Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Tawi-Tawi Provincial Officer Abraham Solon Kalim, the incident occurred at approximately 10 p.m. during an entrapment operation targeting suspected illegal drug activity in the area.
Kalim said the suspects allegedly fired at the operatives after the poseur-buyer purchased the suspected illegal drugs. The authorities returned fire, triggering a brief exchange of gunfire that lasted several minutes.
Despite the armed confrontation, no injuries or casualties were reported among the operating personnel.
Ten sachets containing approximately 500 grams of suspected shabu recovered
Authorities recovered 10 heat-sealed plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu, with a total weight of more or less 500 grams and an estimated standard drug price of ₱3.4 million.
The seized substances are now under the custody of PDEA Tawi-Tawi for proper documentation and the necessary evidence-handling procedures.
The agency has yet to report any arrest in connection with the operation. The suspects’ escape by speedboat has prompted continued efforts to locate and apprehend the individuals involved.
Multi-agency operation targets illegal drug activities
The operation was led by PDEA Tawi-Tawi under the leadership of Provincial Officer Abraham Solon Kalim, with support from the NSET ZAMBASULTA, 4th Marine Rifle Battalion, Tawi-Tawi Police Provincial Office (Tawi-Tawi PPO), Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU), Police Regional Intelligence Unit 9 (PNP RIU-9), and Bongao Municipal Police Station (Bongao MPS).
The participation of the military, police, and anti-drug enforcement personnel highlights the coordinated efforts of government agencies to combat illegal drug trafficking in the island province.
Tawi-Tawi’s coastal geography and proximity to maritime routes make law enforcement coordination particularly important in operations involving suspects who may attempt to escape by sea. In this case, authorities said the suspects fled aboard a speedboat after the exchange of gunfire.
Manhunt underway; suspects may face charges under RA 9165
Authorities are continuing the manhunt for “Karim” and an unidentified individual referred to as “John Doe.”
The suspects may face charges for alleged violations of Section 5 of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which penalizes the illegal sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution, and transportation of dangerous drugs, subject to the evidence gathered and the specific acts established by investigators.
The reported shooting may also warrant a separate investigation into possible criminal offenses, depending on the evidence and the findings of law enforcement authorities.
The suspects’ identities, whereabouts, and possible involvement in other illegal drug activities have not been established in the information made available about the operation.
PDEA Tawi-Tawi said the seizure reflects the continuing efforts of the agency and its partner law enforcement units to disrupt illegal drug activities and protect communities from the harmful effects of dangerous drugs.
The investigation and manhunt remain ongoing. The suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.