MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur – Authorities arrested five suspected drug personalities and seized approximately P6.8 million worth of illegal drugs during a major anti-narcotics operation conducted in Barangay Basak Malulut, Marawi City, on Sunday afternoon.
According to Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-BARMM) spokesperson Steffi Salanguit, the suspects were apprehended during a buy-bust operation launched at around 2:00 p.m. by the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU) with support from various units of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The arrested individuals were identified as:
- Mawiyah Mariam Gunting, also known as “Paks Mawi,” 56, a resident of Barangay Biaba Damag, Marawi City;
- Khadaffy Adapun Ampuan, 46, of Cabasaran, Pantar, Lanao del Norte;
- Ibrahim Mayasa, 52, of Barangay Pagalamatan, Amai Manabilang, Lanao del Sur;
- Hassanor Gunting, 22, of Lumbayanague, Lanao del Sur; and
- Aisah Gunting, 48, of Barangay Biaba Damag, Marawi City.
Police reports indicated that an undercover operative successfully purchased illegal drugs from one of the suspects, triggering the arrest and subsequent search operation.
Authorities recovered suspected illegal drugs with an estimated street value of P6.8 million, dealing a significant blow to the illegal drug trade operating in the region. Also confiscated during the operation were approximately P1 million in buy-bust money and several non-drug-related items that may serve as evidence in the ongoing investigation.
The operation forms part of the intensified anti-illegal drug campaign being carried out by law enforcement agencies across the Bangsamoro region, where authorities continue to target both street-level dealers and larger drug distribution networks.
Following their arrest, the five suspects were brought to the custodial facility of the Marawi City Police Station, where they remain detained pending the filing of criminal charges for violations of the country’s anti-illegal drugs law.
Police officials emphasized that the successful operation underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to curb the proliferation of illegal drugs and dismantle drug syndicates operating in Lanao del Sur and neighboring provinces.
Investigators are also pursuing possible links of the arrested individuals to wider drug trafficking networks as authorities continue to trace the source and distribution channels of the confiscated narcotics.
The PNP-BARMM has urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities by reporting illegal drug activities in their communities as part of the government’s continuing effort to maintain peace, security, and public safety in the region.