HEIGHTENED police visibility and targeted law enforcement operations led to the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of two unlicensed firearms, live ammunition, and suspected illegal drugs in South Cotabato and Cotabato provinces.
At approximately 4:52 PM on September 17, 2026, personnel from the President Roxas Municipal Police Station, alongside the Cotabato Police Provincial Office Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, executed search warrants in Barangay Poblacion, President Roxas, Cotabato.
The targeted operation led to the arrest of a 38-year-old driver identified as alias “Ford.”
During the search, officers recovered an unnumbered Smith & Wesson .22-caliber revolver loaded with four live rounds, five sachets of suspected shabu weighing roughly 0.10325 grams valued at ₱2,500, cigarette packaging, a lighter, and used aluminum foil.
The confiscated items were documented for forensic and ballistic testing while charges for violations of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and Section 11 of RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) are being prepared against the suspect.
Hours later, at around 1:35 AM on September 18, 2026, police officers conducting routine mobile patrols along the National Highway in Barangay Poblacion, Tantangan, South Cotabato, spotted two men pushing a motorcycle.
As officers approached to render assistance or inspect the situation, 30-year-old alias “Kiro” suddenly pulled a handgun from his waist.
Responding personnel swiftly subdued and disarmed him.
Authorities recovered a Colt .45-caliber pistol with a chambered round, a steel magazine loaded with four live bullets, and three additional rounds.
His companion, 21-year-old alias “Odong,” both residents of Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat, was found with two live .45-caliber rounds.
The inventory was conducted on-site in the presence of a local barangay official. Both men face charges under RA 10591.
PRO 12 Regional Director PBGEN Alan B. Manibog commended the operating units for their vigilance, emphasizing that prompt response and sustained operations are crucial to maintaining peace and curbing illegal weapons and drugs across the region.
