PALIMBANG, Sultan Kudarat — Police seized ₱209,000 worth of suspected shabu, several illegal firearms, and a hand grenade during coordinated pre-dawn raids across three barangays in Palimbang early Thursday, authorities said.
The simultaneous operations were carried out around 2 a.m. in Barangay Malisbong, Barangay Badiangon and Barangay Lopoken. The Regional Intelligence Division 12, RPDEU 12, RMFB 12, RIU 12, PNP Special Action Force and the Palimbang Municipal Police Station led the raids under warrants issued by a regional trial court in Isulan for violations of RA 9165, RA 10591, RA 9516 and RA 12022.
Police arrested three individuals after finding suspected shabu and weapons inside their homes. Alias Noel was caught with 5.4 grams of suspected shabu valued at ₱36,720. Alias Gaho was found with 8.4 grams worth ₱57,120, along with a .45-caliber pistol loaded with three rounds and a hand grenade. Alias Bodin was arrested after police recovered 5.6 grams of suspected shabu valued at ₱38,080, as well as a 9mm magazine loaded with 12 rounds.
Two other subjects of the warrants were not present during the operations, but police still recovered illegal drugs and firearms from their homes. Alias “Bing,” of Barangay Badiangon, was linked to 6 grams of suspected shabu valued at ₱40,800. Alias “Bong,” of Barangay Lopoken, was associated with 5.4 grams worth ₱36,720, a .22-caliber homemade break-open pistol, a North American Arms 9mm revolver loaded with three rounds and a .45-caliber steel magazine.
Police said all arrested individuals were informed of their constitutional rights and taken to the Palimbang police station along with the seized evidence for documentation and proper disposition.
PNP 12 Director Police General Arnold Ardiente commended the joint operation, saying “the coordinated efforts of our law enforcement units in Palimbang show our resolve to eliminate illegal drugs and illegal firearms in SOCCSKSARGEN. These operations protect our communities and ensure offenders are held accountable under the law.”