Malapatan, Sarangani Province—A joint operation spearheaded by the Malapatan Municipal Police Station (MPS), in collaboration with the Sarangani Police Provincial Office’s Provincial Intelligence Branch (SPPO-PIB), Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (SPPO-PDEU), RID 12 Tracker Team Alpha, and the 1st Sarangani Police Mobile Force Company (SPMFC), successfully implemented a search warrant on January 18, 2025.
The operation was based on Search Warrant No. 02-2025, issued by a judge of the 11th Judicial Region in Alabel, Sarangani Province, on January 13, 2025. The target of the search was alias “Dubyan,” a resident of Purok Calucob, Barangay Sapu Masla, Malapatan.
The search, conducted in the presence of local witnesses, including the Barangay Captain of Sapu Masla, a local resident, and a media representative, resulted in the recovery of multiple firearms, ammunition, and illegal drugs. Among the seized items were:
- One (1) rifle grenade
- One (1) homemade shotgun with a magazine containing four (4) live rounds, including one chamber-loaded
- One (1) homemade shotgun with a magazine containing three (3) live rounds, including one chamber-loaded
- One (1) homemade shotgun without ammunition
- One (1) homemade Thompson firearm with a magazine containing eight (8) rounds of 9mm live ammunition
- Two (2) heat-sealed transparent sachets containing suspected shabu weighing approximately 0.5 grams, valued at Php 3,400.00
The suspect, however, managed to evade arrest by fleeing to the hinterlands of Purok Calucob upon sensing the arrival of the operating team.
The inventory of the seized evidence was meticulously conducted outside the suspect’s residence, adhering to legal protocols and in the presence of mandatory witnesses. All recovered items were documented and brought to the Malapatan Municipal Police Station for further examination and disposition.
Authorities are preparing appropriate charges against the suspect for violations of R.A. 9516 (Illegal Possession of Explosives), R.A. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act), and Section 11 of R.A. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
The Sarangani Police Provincial Office, along with its supporting units, reaffirmed their commitment to eradicating illegal activities and ensuring the safety and security of the community. Efforts to locate and apprehend the suspect are ongoing.