Surallah, South Cotabato — Two individuals were arrested in a successful buy-bust operation conducted by the Surallah Municipal Police Station (MPS) on the evening of May 20, 2025, leading to the confiscation of suspected shabu valued at over Php101,000 and an unlicensed firearm.
The operation took place around 7:00 PM and targeted a known drug personality identified only by his alias “Buktot,” a single resident of Surallah. Authorities said a poseur-buyer was able to purchase a sachet of suspected shabu from the suspect, prompting immediate action by operatives.
A body search yielded one genuine Php1,000 bill used in the transaction, along with four additional Php1,000 bills used as boodle money. Also seized were a Realme i50 Android phone and a brown sling bag reportedly used by the suspect.
The suspect’s companion, alias “Bentot,” also a resident of Surallah, was likewise apprehended. Police recovered a homemade single-shot pistol loaded with one live 5.56mm round from his waist and found another round of the same caliber in his pocket.
Both suspects were arrested on-site and brought to the Surallah MPS for proper documentation and disposition, together with the confiscated drugs, firearm, and other pieces of evidence.
PBGEN Arnold P. Ardiente, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 12, commended the local police for their decisive action.
“Rest assured that PRO 12 will not tolerate any form of criminality. We remain committed to protecting our communities and ensuring that the youth are safeguarded from the influence of illegal drugs,” Ardiente said in a statement.
Authorities are now preparing charges against the suspects for violations of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.