POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato — Police authorities seized a combined total of approximately 1,205.69 grams of suspected marijuana, with an estimated street value of ₱60,285, in two separate anti-illegal drug operations in Polomolok, South Cotabato, on October 2 and 3, 2026.
The operations, conducted by the Polomolok Municipal Police Station (MPS) in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 12, resulted in the arrest of three individuals and the recovery of suspected marijuana in different forms, along with buy-bust money and other items allegedly used in or recovered during the operations.
The first operation was conducted at around 9:15 p.m. on October 2 in Barangay Sulit, Polomolok.
Police arrested two suspects identified by their aliases as “Sherwin” and “Shawn” after an undercover transaction led to their apprehension.
Recovered during the operation was one sachet of suspected marijuana allegedly sold during the buy-bust transaction, along with several other sachets and a large opened plastic bag containing suspected dried marijuana stalks, leaves and seeds reportedly recovered from the suspects’ possession.
Authorities also recovered the ₱500 buy-bust money and two pack bags.
The total suspected marijuana seized during the operation was placed at approximately 1,028.69 grams, with an estimated value of ₱51,435.
The confiscated suspected illegal drugs are set to undergo laboratory examination at the South Cotabato Provincial Forensic Unit (SCPFU) to determine their actual composition.
Meanwhile, another anti-illegal drug operation was carried out at around 9:19 a.m. on October 3 at Purok Masikap, Sanchez Subdivision, Barangay Poblacion, Polomolok.
The operation resulted in the arrest of “JCHL,” described by police as single, jobless and a resident of Barangay Poblacion.
Police said approximately 177 grams of suspected dried marijuana leaves, estimated to be worth ₱8,850, were recovered during the operation. Also seized were the ₱500 buy-bust money and an orange sling bag.
Authorities said the confiscated items from the second operation were inventoried and documented in the presence of a barangay official and a media practitioner, in line with the required documentation and handling procedures.
The suspected marijuana from both operations will undergo laboratory examination, while the arrested individuals remain under police custody pending the filing of appropriate charges.
Police said cases for alleged violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared for filing before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Sub-Office in Polomolok, South Cotabato.
Section 5 of RA 9165 covers the illegal sale, trading, administration, delivery, distribution and transportation of dangerous drugs, while Section 11 covers the illegal possession of dangerous drugs. The specific charges to be filed will be determined through the prosecution process and based on the evidence gathered.
PRO 12 Regional Director PBGen Alan B. Manibog commended the police personnel involved in the operations for the successful seizures and arrests.
The operations form part of continuing law enforcement efforts in South Cotabato against the distribution and possession of illegal drugs.
All three arrested individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.