LUUK, Sulu — Authorities arrested a high-value drug personality and four other suspected drug offenders while confiscating approximately ₱442,000 worth of suspected shabu, firearms, and drug paraphernalia during a joint anti-drug operation in Barangay Tubig Putih, Luuk, Sulu on June 19, 2026.
The successful operation was carried out through a coordinated Law Enforcement Support Operation (LESO) involving multiple government security and law enforcement agencies, with support from the military’s 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade.
According to Capt. Kesly Maligro, Operations Officer of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, the operation was conducted in support of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Sulu as part of the government’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs and criminality in the Second District of Sulu.
The buy-bust operation, conducted in Sitio Koongan, Barangay Tubig Putih, led to the arrest of alias “Osri,” also known as “Madam Vina,” who was identified by authorities as a high-value drug personality. Four other suspects were also apprehended, identified only by their aliases: Ronny, Oshin, Munib, and Adzmir.
Police reports identified the suspects as residents of various municipalities in Sulu. Alias Osri, 42, is a resident of Barangay Tubig Putih, Luuk; alias Adz, 36, resides in Barangay Tanduh Batu, Luuk; alias Ron, 51, is from Bato-Bato, Indanan; alias Oshin, 50, is a resident of Barangay Lambago, Luuk; while alias Munib, 50, also hails from Barangay Tubig Putih.
Authorities seized approximately 65 grams of suspected shabu during the operation. Of the total amount confiscated, 50 grams were reportedly the subject of the drug transaction, while an additional 15 grams were recovered from the suspects during their arrest.
The seized illegal drugs were estimated to have a National Average Price of ₱442,000.
In addition to the suspected narcotics, operatives recovered two caliber .45 pistols with magazines and 10 rounds of live ammunition, communication equipment, digital weighing scales, cellular phones, and various drug paraphernalia believed to have been used in illegal drug activities.
The arrested individuals may face multiple charges under Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, including the sale, possession, purchase, and use of illegal drugs, as well as possession of drug paraphernalia and operation of a drug den.
Following the operation, all suspects, confiscated illegal drugs, firearms, and other evidence were properly documented and turned over to PDEA-Sulu for the filing of appropriate charges and further legal proceedings.
The operation involved personnel from the 101st Infantry “Sajahitra” Battalion, 21st Infantry “Invincible” Battalion, PDEA-Sulu, the 54th Special Action Company and 5th Special Action Battalion of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF), Luuk Municipal Police Station, 1st and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Companies, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit 9 (CIDG RFU-9), and other provincial intelligence units.
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, lauded the participating agencies for the successful conduct of the operation, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency cooperation in combating illegal drugs and maintaining peace in the province.
“The success of this operation reflects the strong partnership among our law enforcement agencies, intelligence community, local government units, and security forces in protecting our communities from the harmful effects of illegal drugs and criminality. This achievement is a testament to our collective commitment to uphold the rule of law and sustain the gains of peace in Sulu,” Delos Santos said.
The military official reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to supporting law enforcement agencies, local government units, and partner stakeholders in the campaign against illegal drugs, loose firearms, and all forms of criminality in Sulu.
Authorities said sustained Law Enforcement Support Operations, strengthened intelligence-sharing, and active community engagement remain key strategies in preserving peace and promoting development across the province.