GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines — Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12) intensified its campaign against illegal drugs and loose firearms before daybreak on Sunday, July 5, after conducting separate search warrant operations in the municipalities of Esperanza and Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, resulting in the seizure of suspected shabu, firearms, ammunition, and other incriminating evidence worth more than ₱176,000.
The coordinated operations targeted individuals allegedly involved in illegal drug activities and illegal possession of firearms as part of the Philippine National Police’s continuing efforts to dismantle drug networks and curb the proliferation of unlicensed firearms in the region.
In Barangay Paitan, Esperanza, joint law enforcement operatives successfully arrested a suspect identified only by his alias “Nonoy” after implementing search warrants for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Authorities recovered approximately 11 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of ₱74,800, along with two firearms and assorted drug paraphernalia believed to have been used in illegal drug activities.
The suspect was immediately taken into police custody and is expected to face charges for violations of the country’s anti-drug and firearms laws.
In a separate operation in Barangay Lagandang, Isulan, police served another set of search warrants against a 45-year-old suspect identified only by the alias “Lindon.”
However, the suspect managed to escape after allegedly sensing the presence of the operating team before they could effect his arrest.
Despite his escape, authorities recovered approximately 15 grams of suspected shabu valued at ₱102,000, a homemade caliber .38 revolver, and one live caliber .38 ammunition from the target area.
Police have launched follow-up operations to track down the fleeing suspect while preparing the appropriate criminal charges against him.
The twin operations resulted in the confiscation of approximately 26 grams of suspected shabu with a total estimated value of ₱176,800, in addition to multiple firearms and drug-related evidence that authorities believe could significantly disrupt illegal drug operations in the area.
Acting Regional Director PBGen Alan B. Manibog commended the operating units for the successful implementation of the search warrants and reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to protecting communities from illegal drugs and loose firearms.
“Sa bawat operasyon, malinaw ang ating mensahe—walang ligtas na kanlungan ang ilegal na droga at mga armas. Patuloy tayong kikilos hanggang makamit ang ligtas at mapayapang pamayanan para sa bawat mamamayan,” Manibog said.
PRO-12 said it will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations against illegal drugs, illegal firearms, and other forms of criminality as part of its commitment to ensuring peace, order, and public safety across the region. Authorities also urged the public to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with law enforcement by reporting illegal activities in their communities.