TANTANGAN, South Cotabato — Police arrested two alleged High Value Individuals (HVIs) in a decisive buy-bust operation that yielded an estimated ₱2.72 million worth of suspected shabu on Friday afternoon, December 5, 2025, in Barangay San Felipe.
The operation, conducted by the Tantangan Municipal Police Station around 4:33 p.m., led to the arrest of Regie Somogod, 32, unemployed, of Purok Riverside, Barangay Sto. Niño, and Paul Robert Bechayda, 42, a construction worker from Purok Suscano, Barangay Morales — both residents of Koronadal City and listed as High Value Individuals in the illegal drug trade.
Police Chief PMaj Romeo Albano Jr. detailed in an interview with TopGun Radio Koronadal that the suspects were caught selling a sachet of shabu to an undercover police operative posing as a buyer. Confiscated during the transaction was approximately 0.20 gram of suspected shabu valued at ₱1,360, along with the marked ₱1,000 buy-bust money.
A subsequent body search yielded more illegal drugs: Bechayda was found carrying 50 grams of suspected shabu, while Somogod had a clutch bag containing seven sachets totaling 350 grams. In all, authorities seized 400 grams of suspected shabu amounting to ₱2,720,000.
Police say the successful operation reflects ongoing intensified efforts to dismantle drug networks operating in the region.
The suspects are now detained at the Tantangan Municipal Police Station as charges for violating Sections 5 and 11, Article II of RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) are being prepared against them.
Authorities vow sustained operations to curb drug activities in South Cotabato, emphasizing that individuals involved in the illegal drug trade — regardless of scale — will be pursued relentlessly.