BANGA, South Cotabato – A High-Value Individual (HVI) was arrested while suspected shabu valued at ₱108,800 and an improvised firearm were confiscated during the implementation of a search warrant in Barangay Malaya, Banga, South Cotabato, on July 24, 2026, as authorities intensified their anti-illegal drug campaign in Region 12.
The operation was carried out by operatives of the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group–Special Operations Unit 12 (PDEG-SOU 12), working jointly with personnel from the Banga Municipal Police Station, Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 12 (RPDEU 12), Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group 12 (IMEG 12), Regional Intelligence Unit 12 (RIU 12), and the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office. The operation was conducted in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 12 (PDEA-12).
Authorities served a Search Warrant for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, against the suspect identified only by the alias “Biboy,” 49 years old, a resident of Barangay Malaya.
During the search, law enforcement officers arrested the suspect after recovering approximately 16 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated Standard Drug Price (SDP) of ₱108,800.
In addition to the illegal drugs, operatives also seized an improvised 12-gauge pistolized shotgun, ammunition, and several drug-related paraphernalia believed to have been used in the suspect’s alleged illegal drug activities.
Police said all confiscated items will undergo forensic laboratory examination to establish their evidentiary value, while the arrested suspect remains under the custody of the Banga Municipal Police Station pending the filing of appropriate criminal charges for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and other applicable laws.
The latest operation underscores the continued collaboration among police intelligence, anti-drug, and enforcement units in targeting individuals identified as key players in the illegal drug trade across Region 12.
Acting Regional Director PBGEN Alan B. Manibog commended the operating teams for the successful implementation of the search warrant and reaffirmed the commitment of the Police Regional Office 12 (PRO 12) to sustain its aggressive anti-illegal drug operations.
“Ang matagumpay na operasyong ito ay patunay ng ating matatag na koordinasyon at patuloy na determinasyon na sugpuin ang ilegal na droga. Mananatiling agresibo ang PRO 12 sa pagpapatupad ng batas upang mapanatili ang ligtas at mapayapang pamayanan para sa lahat,” Manibog said.
PRO 12 has continued to intensify intelligence-driven operations against high-value drug personalities in Soccsksargen as part of the Philippine National Police’s broader strategy to dismantle local drug networks, seize illegal narcotics, and prevent the proliferation of firearms often associated with criminal activities.
Police likewise urged the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting law enforcement efforts by reporting suspected illegal drug activities in their communities, emphasizing that sustained cooperation between authorities and residents remains vital in the campaign to achieve drug-free and peaceful communities throughout the region.