MAKILALA, COTABATO — Authorities seized approximately 8 kilograms of suspected marijuana worth ₱960,000 and arrested two students, including a 16-year-old minor, during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Saguing, Makilala, Cotabato, late Wednesday night, September 16, 2026.
The operation was conducted at about 10:50 p.m. by personnel of the Makilala Municipal Police Station Municipal Drug Enforcement Unit (MDEU), in coordination with the Cotabato Provincial Police Office Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU), Regional Police Intelligence Unit personnel, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Police identified the 19-year-old adult suspect as Prince Calid Cayad, also known by the alias “Kuhol,” a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Makilala. The second person arrested was a 16-year-old male student, identified only by the alias “Simon” in accordance with rules protecting minors involved in legal proceedings.
According to the police, Cayad was considered a high-value individual in the operation.
Nearly ₱1 Million Worth of Suspected Marijuana
The operation resulted in the recovery of an estimated 8,000 grams of suspected dried marijuana, with a reported Standard Drug Price of ₱960,000.
Among the items seized were assorted packs, sachets, bricks and containers containing suspected dried marijuana leaves, stalks and seeds. Authorities also recovered suspected marijuana buds and two containers reportedly containing marijuana liquid juice.
Police said the operation also yielded three marked bills used as buy-bust money, a Yamaha Sniper 125 motorcycle, bags, plastic cellophane and other items allegedly connected to the operation.
The seized substances and other evidence were secured for documentation and examination.
Inventory Completed Early Thursday
The marking and inventory of the seized items were completed at approximately 2:36 a.m. on September 17, several hours after the operation.
Police said the inventory was conducted in the presence of the required insulating witnesses, as prescribed under the rules governing the handling and documentation of seized dangerous drugs.
The suspected illegal drugs will be submitted to the Provincial Forensic Unit for qualitative and quantitative laboratory examination. The results will determine the actual identity and weight of the substances seized.
Minor Turned Over to WCPD
Following medical examination, the 19-year-old suspect was placed under police custody.
The 16-year-old, meanwhile, was turned over to the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) for appropriate intervention and disposition in accordance with procedures applicable to children in conflict with the law.
Authorities said the suspects are facing the preparation of cases for alleged violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Section 5 generally covers the illegal sale, trading, administration, delivery and distribution of dangerous drugs, while Section 11 covers illegal possession of dangerous drugs. The specific charges and their applicability will be determined through the appropriate legal process.
Police: No Place for Illegal Drugs in SOCCSKSARGEN
Police Regional Office 12 Director PBGen Alan B. Manibog said the operation reflects the police’s continuing campaign against illegal drugs across the SOCCSKSARGEN region.
“Malinaw ang ating mensahe—walang lugar sa SOCCSKSARGEN ang ilegal na droga. Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang operasyon laban sa mga sangkot sa kalakalan ng droga, habang tinitiyak ang pagsunod sa batas at pagprotekta sa karapatan ng bawat isa.”
The police emphasized that the seized substances remain suspected marijuana pending laboratory examination.
The arrest and seizure operation also underscores the continuing focus of law enforcement authorities on suspected drug distribution networks operating in communities across Cotabato.
As the case progresses, investigators are expected to document the evidence, complete the required laboratory examinations and pursue the appropriate charges against those arrested, subject to prosecutorial evaluation and court proceedings.