MATANOG, Maguindanao del Norte — Five individuals were arrested and an alleged drug den was dismantled during a buy-bust operation conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-BARMM) in Barangay Sapad, Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte, on October 22, 2026.
The operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 21.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, with an estimated value of ₱146,200, along with drug paraphernalia and other items allegedly connected to illegal drug activities.
The operation was spearheaded by the PDEA-BARMM Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Office, with support from Regional Intelligence Unit 15, the 1401st Regional Mobile Force Battalion of Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14-A, the Matanog Municipal Police Station, and the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group–Special Operations Unit 15.
Authorities identified the arrested individuals by their aliases as “Datu King,” 53, and “Gyor,” 54, both identified as alleged drug den maintainers; “Sima,” 47; “Ben,” 18; and “Macmod,” 45.
The authorities have not provided further details about the individual roles allegedly played by the three other arrested persons in the operation.
Fifteen sachets of suspected shabu recovered
According to the operation report, authorities confiscated 15 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, with a combined estimated weight of 21.5 grams.
The seized drugs were valued at ₱146,200 based on the authorities’ initial assessment.
Operatives also recovered assorted drug paraphernalia, a cellular phone, an identification card, and the buy-bust money used in the operation.
The confiscated substances and other evidence are expected to support the investigation and the filing of appropriate criminal complaints against the arrested individuals.
Suspects face charges under the Dangerous Drugs Act
The five arrested individuals are facing appropriate charges for alleged violations of Sections 5, 6, 7, 11, and 12 of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
These provisions cover illegal sale of dangerous drugs, maintenance of a drug den or other related premises, employees and visitors of drug dens, possession of dangerous drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia, respectively.
The specific charges applicable to each individual will depend on the evidence gathered and the findings of the investigating authorities and prosecutors.
The arrests and dismantling of the alleged drug den form part of law enforcement efforts to disrupt illegal drug distribution and the operation of locations allegedly used for drug-related activities in the Bangsamoro region.
However, the allegations against the arrested individuals remain subject to the legal process. Their arrest does not, by itself, establish guilt, and they are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a competent court.