Man Escapes, Woman Arrested in Separate BARMM Drug Busts Worth P304,912
In a dramatic turn of events during anti-drug operations in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), a 38-year-old man managed to escape while a woman was apprehended, leading to the seizure of illegal drugs valued at P304,912. The incidents occurred on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region.
Escape in Cotabato City Buy-Bust
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in BARMM reported that a suspect known as alias Thats, a known plea bargainer with a history of involvement in illegal drug activities, escaped during a buy-bust operation in Purok Waling-Waling, Bagua Mother village, Cotabato City. Authorities confiscated approximately 20 grams of shabu, packed in 10 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets worth P136,000, along with a mobile phone, buy-bust money, and various drug paraphernalia.
Thats had previously been arrested for drug-related violations and had availed himself of a plea bargaining agreement in 2023. PDEA-BARMM, with support from police units, is now conducting follow-up operations to locate and apprehend the fugitive. Charges for violations of Sections 5 and 11 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are being prepared against Thats.
High-Value Individual Arrested in Marawi City
In a separate operation, a woman classified as a high-value individual (HVI) drug suspect was arrested in a buy-bust at her residence in Raya Saduc village, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. Police Colonel Caezar Cabuhat, Lanao del Sur police director, did not release her identity but confirmed the arrest.
Seized from the suspect were approximately 24 grams of shabu worth P168,912, buy-bust money, a digital weighing scale, and other non-drug pieces of evidence. The arrested suspect and the confiscated items were brought to the Marawi City Police Station for proper disposition. Charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are being prepared against her.
Continued Efforts Against Drug Proliferation
Police Colonel Cabuhat emphasized that authorities will continue to intensify efforts to eradicate the proliferation of illegal drugs and ensure accountability under the law. These operations underscore the persistent challenges in drug enforcement in BARMM, with both successes and setbacks in the fight against narcotics.
The combined value of the seized drugs from both operations totals P304,912, reflecting the significant impact of these busts on local drug networks. As investigations proceed, the community remains vigilant, with law enforcement agencies committed to upholding justice and public safety in the region.
