Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat – A checkpoint operation led by the Esperanza Municipal Police Station (MPS) resulted in the recovery of a carnapped motorcycle and the arrest of a suspect in Barangay Paitan on December 15, 2024.
At approximately 4:40 PM, while conducting a routine checkpoint at Paitan CPAC, Esperanza MPS personnel received a distress call reporting the forcible taking of a motorcycle in the area. According to the victim, the suspect was caught attempting to break the motorcycle’s headlock. When confronted, the suspect pointed a firearm at the victim, threatening him and forcibly taking the motorcycle keys before fleeing toward Barangay Banaba, Datu Abdullah Sangki (DAS), Maguindanao Del Sur.
In response, Esperanza MPS launched a coordinated dragnet operation, which swiftly led to the apprehension of the suspect. The individual, a 20-year-old jobless resident of Barangay Libutan, Mamasapano, Maguindanao Del Sur, was taken into custody.
Authorities recovered a Remington caliber .45 pistol with an inserted magazine loaded with four rounds of ammunition from the suspect. The carnapped motorcycle, a black-and-blue Kawasaki Bajaj, was also seized during the operation.
The suspect is currently detained at Esperanza MPS, where appropriate criminal charges are being prepared against him. The recovered motorcycle has been secured and will be returned to its rightful owner.
PCOL Bernard L. Lao, Acting Provincial Director of the Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office (PPO), commended the swift response and efficiency of Esperanza MPS personnel. He emphasized the importance of maintaining vigilance and the commitment of the Sultan Kudarat police force to the ongoing campaign against criminality.
“This successful operation demonstrates our unwavering resolve to ensure that Sultan Kudarat remains a safe place for our communities. Criminals will be brought to justice without delay,” PCOL Lao stated.
Authorities reiterated their call for public cooperation in reporting crimes and suspicious activities to help maintain peace and order in the province. The recent success underscores the effectiveness of police-community collaboration in combating lawlessness and ensuring public safety.
