TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat — A sitting barangay official from Koronadal City was arrested during a buy-bust operation conducted shortly after midnight on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, authorities confirmed.
Police identified the suspect as Ulysses Flora Ballaran, 44, an incumbent barangay kagawad of Barangay Zone 1 in Koronadal City. Ballaran, who was also reported to be a former media practitioner, had been listed as a High-Value Individual (HVI) in the watchlist of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 12.
The operation was carried out at around 12:43 a.m. along Malvar Street in Barangay Poblacion, Tacurong City by operatives of the Tacurong City Police Station. According to police reports, an undercover operative successfully purchased a sachet of suspected shabu from the suspect using marked buy-bust money amounting to ₱1,000.
Following the transaction, authorities immediately arrested Ballaran and conducted a search that led to the recovery of additional illegal drug items and paraphernalia.
Confiscated from the suspect were two heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu, with a combined weight of about 0.28 grams and an estimated street value of ₱1,904, based on standard drug price monitoring by authorities. Also seized were an improvised all-weather tooter with traces of suspected shabu, two lighters (green and yellow), a gray round container, a silver Oppo mobile phone, a black sling bag, and the marked ₱1,000 bill used in the operation.
Police said the buy-bust operation was conducted in accordance with established procedures and was witnessed by representatives from the barangay and members of the media to ensure transparency in the handling of evidence.
Authorities confirmed that the arrested barangay official is now under the custody of the Tacurong City Police while the seized evidence has been turned over for proper documentation and laboratory examination.
The suspect is expected to face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Local authorities reiterated their commitment to intensifying the campaign against illegal drugs across Tacurong City and nearby areas in Region 12. As of this writing, no official statement has yet been issued by the barangay council in Koronadal City or by the side of the arrested official.