Cotabato, Philippines— Joint police and military forces confiscated high-powered firearms and a rocket launcher during a law enforcement operation targeting a wanted individual in Barangay Manaulanan, Tugunan, Cotabato, early Saturday morning, December 29.
The operation aimed to serve arrest warrants on Dauren Manampen, who is wanted for various crimes, including extortion, drug trafficking, and disturbing peace in the area. However, Manampen managed to evade capture, leaving behind a cache of weapons in his hideout.
Recovered items include an M16 rifle, an M14 rifle, a .50 caliber Barrett rifle, a 7.62mm bolt-action sniper rifle, a B40 anti-tank launcher, and a .45 caliber pistol. These weapons will be used as evidence to file additional charges against him.
The operation was conducted by personnel from the Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Police Office, led by Col. Joel Estaris, officers from Pikit Municipal Police Station, and troops from the Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion.
Tugunan, one of the newly created municipalities under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), is located in Cotabato province under Region 12 jurisdiction.
Manampen, a long-time fugitive, has been accused of sowing terror in Barangay Manaulanan, extorting money from residents, and selling illegal drugs such as shabu and marijuana.
Authorities are continuing their pursuit of Manampen to bring him to justice and ensure the safety of the community.