(Photo courtesy of PNA)
COTABATO CITY – Police arrested 32 suspected drug offenders and seized approximately Php 1.4 million worth of illegal drugs during a weeklong crackdown across Soccsksargen from October 26 to November 1.
Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12) Director Brig. Gen. Alan Manibog said Wednesday that authorities conducted 27 anti-illegal drug operations, including 16 buy-bust operations, five implementations of search warrants and six police response operations.
According to Manibog, the Cotabato Police Provincial Office conducted four operations that led to five arrests and the confiscation of 112.300 grams of suspected shabu.
In General Santos City, police carried out three operations, arrested four suspects and recovered 10.338 grams of suspected shabu.
The South Cotabato Police Provincial Office recorded the highest number of operations and arrests, with 12 operations resulting in the apprehension of 16 individuals and the seizure of 20.880 grams of suspected shabu.
Meanwhile, police in Sultan Kudarat conducted five operations, arrested four suspects and confiscated 61.007 grams of suspected shabu.
In Sarangani, authorities reported three operations that resulted in three arrests and the recovery of 2.280 grams of suspected shabu and 5.140 grams of marijuana leaves.
Manibog reaffirmed the regional police force’s commitment to intensifying its anti-drug campaign through sustained law enforcement operations and stronger coordination among police units.
“We will sustain our fight against illegal drugs across the region; there is no letup here,” Manibog said, as he called on residents to cooperate with authorities in combating illegal drug activities.
Apart from the anti-drug campaign, PRO-12 also conducted 78 operations targeting wanted individuals during the same seven-day period.
These operations resulted in the arrest of 73 individuals, including 51 classified as wanted persons and 22 listed under the other wanted persons category.
Manibog said police would continue conducting operations to maintain peace and order and strengthen public safety across the region.
Soccsksargen covers the provinces of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani, including the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Kidapawan and Tacurong.
