PRESIDENT QUIRINO, SULTAN KUDARAT — Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested two alleged high-value drug personalities during a buy-bust operation on the evening of February 16, 2026, in Purok Ligaya, Barangay Pedtubo, President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat.
The operation, conducted at around 8:33 p.m., was led by the PDEA Sultan Kudarat Provincial Office in coordination with the President Quirino Municipal Police Station, following reports about the suspects’ alleged involvement in illegal drug trafficking in the area.
Authorities identified the arrested individuals as alias “Abu,” 54, a van driver, and alias “Meriam,” 49, a housewife. Both are residents of Barangay Bayawa in the same municipality.
During the entrapment operation, operatives confiscated approximately 50 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price of ₱340,000. Also recovered from the suspects were the marked buy-bust money, an Android cellphone, an all-weather glass tooter, and a white mini van believed to have been used in their illegal activities.
Law enforcement officials said the suspects were immediately informed of their constitutional rights upon arrest. They were then brought to the police station for proper documentation, booking procedures, and further investigation. The seized illegal drugs and other evidence were turned over to the appropriate forensic units for laboratory examination and safekeeping.
The two suspects will face charges for violation of Sections 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and 12 (Possession of Drug Paraphernalia), Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
PDEA Regional Office XII reaffirmed its commitment to intensify anti-illegal drug operations across Central Mindanao, stressing the importance of strong coordination among law enforcement agencies in dismantling drug networks and curbing the spread of illegal substances.
Officials also urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities by reporting suspicious activities in their communities.
“This successful operation reflects our firm resolve to protect the public from the harmful effects of illegal drugs,” PDEA officials said. “We will continue working tirelessly to ensure peace, order, and safer, drug-free communities in the region.”