BULDON, Maguindanao del Norte — A coordinated anti-illegal drug operation conducted by law enforcement authorities in Maguindanao del Norte resulted in the arrest of a 61-year-old High-Value Individual (HVI) and the seizure of suspected shabu worth approximately ₱340,000, further intensifying the government’s campaign against illegal narcotics in the Bangsamoro region.
The successful buy-bust operation was carried out at around 2:14 p.m. on August 2, 2026, in Barangay Mataya, Buldon, through the joint efforts of the Special Operations Unit–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (SOU-BAR) of the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PNP DEG) and several partner law enforcement agencies.
The operation was conducted under the leadership of PBGen. Elmer E. Ragay, Director of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group, with support from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency–BAR (PDEA-BAR), Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (PRO BAR-RDEU), Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group-BAR (IMEG-BAR), Regional Intelligence Unit-BAR (RIU-BAR), 2nd Marine Company, Maguindanao del Norte Police Provincial Office–Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU), and the Buldon Municipal Police Station.
Authorities identified the arrested suspect only by his alias “Uting,” a 61-year-old male who was listed as a High-Value Individual (HVI) in the government’s anti-drug watchlist.
During the operation, authorities confiscated approximately 50 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, with an estimated standard drug price of ₱340,000. Investigators also seized a red Honda RS motorcycle with a sidecar, believed to have been used in the suspect’s activities, along with several other non-drug-related items that may serve as evidence in the ongoing investigation.
Following the arrest, the suspect was taken into the custody of the Buldon Municipal Police Station for documentation and the filing of appropriate charges. Meanwhile, the confiscated suspected illegal drugs were turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit-BAR for laboratory examination to confirm their composition and evidentiary value.
The operation forms part of the intensified anti-illegal drug campaign of the Philippine National Police and its partner agencies aimed at dismantling drug networks and apprehending individuals involved in the illegal drug trade, particularly those classified as High-Value Individuals.
PBGen. Ragay commended the operating units for the successful operation, highlighting the importance of inter-agency cooperation in combating criminality.
“Kudos to SOU BAR and all partner units for a job well done. Your strong unity, unwavering commitment, and relentless determination continue to deliver impactful results in upholding peace, order, and public safety. Keep setting the standard for excellence in service,” Ragay said.
Authorities have yet to disclose whether the arrested suspect is linked to a larger drug syndicate operating in the province or elsewhere in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. Further investigation is underway to determine the possible extent of his involvement in illegal drug distribution and to identify other individuals who may be connected to the operation.
Law enforcement agencies continue to encourage the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities by reporting illegal drug activities, emphasizing that sustained community support remains vital in strengthening efforts to curb the proliferation of dangerous drugs and maintain peace and security across the region.