Cotabato City, Philippines - Authorities have arrested seven individuals and confiscated over PHP5.7 million worth of shabu in a series of anti-drug operations in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and Soccsksargen. The operations were conducted over the weekend in Cotabato City and Tacurong City, targeting suspected drug peddlers in the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, five suspects were apprehended in Cotabato City on Sunday, with PHP3.4 million worth of shabu recovered. PDEA-BARMM Director Christian Frivaldo stated that the bust occurred in front of a fast-food chain along Sinsuat Avenue. The suspects, identified as Usman Camit Musa, Al Raji Mlok Bayam, Kenedy Manampen Baraguir, Bailing Saavedra Bagundang, and Sahara Bagundang Tiang, were caught with 10 sachets of shabu, buy-bust money, mobile phones, two vehicles, and other evidence. Additionally, Ephraim Datumanong was arrested in Barangay Rosary Heights Mother after allegedly selling shabu worth PHP360,000 to an undercover agent. All suspects are currently detained at the PDEA-BARMM facility, with charges being prepared against them.
In Tacurong City, PDEA agents in Soccsksargen apprehended Norodin Midtimbang, an active member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit, and seized PHP2 million worth of shabu. PDEA-12 Director Aileen Lovitos reported that Midtimbang was arrested during a buy-bust operation in Barangay New Isabela. He is known for peddling illegal drugs in areas of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and General Santos City.