MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur — A joint anti-drug operation by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) led to the arrest of three high-value drug suspects and the confiscation of nearly ₱340,000 worth of suspected shabu along a national highway in Barangay Gadongan on April 10, 2026.
Authorities identified one of the suspects by the alias “Onak,” who was arrested along with two cohorts during a coordinated buy-bust operation conducted by personnel of the Marawi City Police Station’s City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) and Alert Team Bravo. The operation was carried out in close coordination with the 42nd Mechanized Infantry Company of the Philippine Army and the Quick Reaction Team (QRT) of the 4th Mechanized (Kalasag) Battalion.
Police said the operation was executed under Pre-Operation No. 15-00-04102026-008 and took place in front of a roadside store along the national highway. After the successful drug transaction, operatives immediately moved in and apprehended the suspects.
Seized from the suspects’ possession was a heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing approximately 49.8 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of ₱338,640. Also recovered were the marked buy-bust money and a Honda XRM motorcycle without a license plate believed to have been used in the suspects’ illegal activities.
The arrested individuals and the confiscated evidence were brought to the Marawi City Police Station for proper documentation and processing. Charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared against the suspects.
Lanao del Sur Provincial Director CAEZAR P. CABUHAT lauded the operating units for the successful operation, emphasizing its significance in the government’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs.
“I commend our operating units for the successful arrest of these drug personalities, a significant step in our continuing campaign against illegal drugs,” Cabuhat said.
The operation highlights the sustained collaboration between the PNP and AFP in addressing the illegal drug trade in Mindanao, particularly in areas identified as drug transit and distribution routes. Authorities assured the public that similar operations will continue as part of efforts to dismantle drug networks and ensure community safety.