POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato — Authorities seized suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, with an estimated standard drug value of ₱3,651,600 during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Silway 8, Polomolok, South Cotabato, on October 21, 2026, but the operation’s target managed to evade arrest.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 12 reported that the operation was conducted at Purok Maunlad by its Regional Special Enforcement Team, in coordination with the PDEA RO12–Sultan Kudarat Provincial Office and the Polomolok Municipal Police Station.
Operatives recovered 11 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu. Authorities also recovered one genuine ₱1,000 bill used as buy-bust money during the operation.
The operation targeted an individual identified only by the alias “Gaga.” However, the suspect managed to escape before authorities could take the individual into custody.
Despite the suspect’s escape, law enforcement personnel recovered the buy-bust money and secured the suspected illegal drugs as evidence. A hot pursuit operation was ongoing to locate and apprehend the fleeing suspect, according to the information provided by authorities.
The suspect is expected to face charges for alleged violations of Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which penalizes various offenses involving dangerous drugs. The filing of charges and the determination of criminal liability remain subject to the applicable legal process.
The seizure represents a significant drug enforcement operation in South Cotabato, given the estimated value of the confiscated substance. However, the case remains subject to further investigation, including the identification and arrest of the suspect and the proper examination of the seized evidence.
PDEA RO12 said it continues to work with local law enforcement agencies to disrupt the illegal drug trade and prevent dangerous drugs from reaching communities across the region.
Authorities have yet to report the suspect’s arrest in connection with the operation. The individual remains a subject of the ongoing pursuit based on the information available.
The operation underscores the continuing enforcement efforts against illegal drugs in the Soccsksargen region, while the suspect’s escape leaves authorities with the immediate task of completing the manhunt and advancing the case through the legal system.