COTABATO CITY — A utility driver employed at a Bangsamoro government agency was arrested in a drug buy-bust operation in Virgo Subdivision, Barangay Rosary Heights 9, Cotabato City, on Monday afternoon, August 18, 2025.
The suspect, identified as Haron Villafuerte Abdullah, 27, separated, and a resident of Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, was caught in possession of about 10 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P68,000.
Police operatives from the City Police Drug Enforcement Unit (CPDEU), the Cotabato City Police Office (CCPO), Police Stations 1 and 2, the 4th Platoon of the Cotabato Mobile Force Company, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-BARMM conducted the entrapment operation under the supervision of City Police Director Col. Jibin Bongcayao.
The operation was carried out around 3:30 p.m. after authorities confirmed reports from community leaders and informants coursed through the office of Mayor Bruce Matabalao regarding Abdullah’s alleged drug dealings in the area.
PRO-BAR Director Brig. Gen. Jaysen de Guzman lauded the coordination among the units, describing the operation as a “swift and decisive response” to community reports on illegal drug activities.
Abdullah, who works as a utility driver for the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government – BARMM, is now in the custody of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. He will face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act 9165).
Authorities assured that intensified anti-drug operations will continue in Cotabato City and across the Bangsamoro region, citing the importance of community cooperation in reporting illegal activities.