COTABATO CITY(November 18) – A weeklong anti-crime sweep across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region has yielded major gains, with police seizing ₱3.4 million worth of shabu, recovering stolen vehicles, and arresting several most wanted suspects, officials reported Monday (Nov. 17, 2025).
Brig. Gen. Jaysen de Guzman, BARMM police director, said the intensified operations from Nov. 10 to 15 reflect the region’s stronger push to curb illegal drugs, loose firearms, and other criminal activities.
The crackdown led to the arrest of 16 most wanted persons, all facing charges ranging from murder to robbery. Police units also recovered multiple carjacked vehicles and arrested seven suspects linked to the stolen cars.
In separate checkpoint operations in Maguindanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur, authorities intercepted smuggled cigarettes valued at over ₱680,000, adding to the list of contraband seized during the campaign.
Alongside drug operations, police also confiscated 20 loose firearms, part of the ongoing effort to reduce armed threats and prevent election-related or clan-related violence in the region.
De Guzman praised the coordinated efforts of police units across BARMM, noting that the results show how sustained field operations and tighter checkpoints can disrupt criminal networks.
“We commend all operating units for their relentless work in protecting our communities,” he said, adding that operations will continue in the coming weeks.
With large drug hauls, arrests of wanted suspects, and steady interdiction of smuggled goods, regional police said they aim to build momentum and strengthen public confidence as BARMM continues its transition and security reforms.
