ALAMADA, Cotabato — Two individuals identified by police as high-value individuals (HVIs) were arrested during an early-morning police operation in Barangay Raradangan, Alamada, Cotabato, on October 29, following the implementation of a search warrant that led to the confiscation of approximately 100 grams of suspected shabu valued at ₱680,000.
The operation was conducted at around 5:09 a.m. in Purok 7, Barangay Raradangan, by personnel of the Alamada Municipal Police Station (MPS), acting as the lead unit, in coordination with several provincial and regional police units.
Police said the operation was carried out pursuant to a search warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 28, in Midsayap, Cotabato, in connection with an alleged violation of Section 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Authorities recovered 19 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu, with an estimated aggregate weight of 100 grams and an estimated street value of ₱680,000.
Aside from the suspected illegal drugs, operatives also seized a Remington .45-caliber pistol bearing serial number 235442, one steel magazine for the firearm, and six rounds of .45-caliber ammunition.
The operation involved the Alamada MPS, Cotabato Police Provincial Office–Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (CPPO-PDEU), Regional Intelligence Division 12 Special Tactical Team (RID12-STTE), Provincial Intelligence Unit of CPPO, Regional Intelligence Unit 12 (RIU12), 2nd Company of the Provincial Mobile Force Battalion (PMFB), and the 1203rd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12 (RMFB12).
Police said the confiscated items were inventoried and properly documented at the operation site in the presence of the two arrested individuals and required insulating witnesses, including a media representative and the barangay chairperson.
The suspects were also informed of their constitutional rights in a language or dialect they understood, in accordance with established legal procedures.
Following their arrest, the two individuals were brought to the Alamada MPS for proper disposition and the filing of appropriate cases.
The suspected illegal drugs and other seized evidence are set to be submitted to the Cotabato Provincial Forensic Unit in Kidapawan City for laboratory examination to determine the nature and composition of the recovered substance. Authorities said appropriate charges are being prepared for filing before the prosecution office.
Cotabato Police Provincial Office Provincial Director Police Colonel Ramel B. Hojilla said the operation demonstrates the police force’s continuing commitment to intensifying its campaign against illegal drugs and other criminal activities.
“Malinaw ang ating mensahe—patuloy nating paiigtingin ang operasyon laban sa ilegal na droga at mga lumalabag sa batas upang maprotektahan ang ating mga kababayan at mapanatiling ligtas ang bawat komunidad,” Hojilla said.
The seizure of approximately 100 grams of suspected shabu, together with a firearm and ammunition, underscores the continuing enforcement challenges posed by illegal drug activities in local communities.
While the arrests represent an operational accomplishment for law enforcement, the next critical steps will be the forensic examination of the seized substances, the proper filing of charges, and the prosecution of the cases in court.
The two individuals remain entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.