January 24, 2025 – M’lang, Cotabato
In a joint entrapment operation conducted by the M’lang Municipal Police Station, Philippine Army, Regional Intelligence Division 12, Regional Intelligence Unit 12, and Cotabato Provincial Intelligence Unit, two soldiers were apprehended this afternoon for violating the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) gun ban.
The operation, executed at around 3:30 PM along the National Highway in Sitio Labo, Barangay Lika, M’lang, Cotabato, led to the arrest of a 30-year-old active-duty soldier assigned to the 39th Infantry Battalion (IB) and a 35-year-old soldier who had gone AWOL (absent without leave) and is a resident of Poblacion, Datu Paglas, Maguindanao.
Authorities recovered three high-powered firearms, including an ELISCO 5.56 rifle and a STAG Arms New Britain 5.56 rifle, along with a Remington Arms firearm. Additional items confiscated from the suspects included PHP 200,000 in cash, several magazines, a driver’s license, and identification cards.
The suspects were positively identified during the operation, with the illegal firearms reportedly sold to undercover operatives. The seized weapons and ammunition will be turned over to the Cotabato Provincial Forensic Unit for ballistic examination.
The suspects are now facing charges for violating Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and the COMELEC gun ban. Authorities are intensifying their efforts to ensure strict compliance with the gun ban, which is in effect during the election period.
The operation highlights the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and order during the election season. Further investigations are underway to determine any possible links to illegal arms trade networks.
