GENERAL SANTOS CITY – A series of coordinated law enforcement operations led by the Police Regional Office 12 (PRO 12) on March 16, 2025, resulted in the arrest of a suspect and the confiscation of illegal drugs, firearms, and related paraphernalia.
The operations were carried out by personnel from Police Station 2, the City Intelligence Unit, the City Mobile Force Company – Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), and the Regional Intelligence Division 12.
First Operation in Barangay Sinawal
At approximately 10:55 AM, authorities executed a search warrant at Purok Buan, Barangay Sinawal. The warrant was issued by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 23, General Santos City, on March 13, 2025. The suspect, identified as a 35-year-old businessman known as “Michael J.,” was apprehended during the operation.
During the search, police seized two rectangular transparent heat-sealed plastic sachets containing suspected shabu weighing approximately 12 grams, along with another sachet containing suspected dried marijuana weighing around 0.4 grams. The total estimated street value of the seized drugs was Php 81,648.00. Additionally, authorities recovered a caliber .45 pistol, two magazines, 26 live ammunition rounds, and various drug paraphernalia.
Follow-Up Operation in Barangay San Isidro
Later in the day, at around 2:55 PM, a follow-up operation was conducted at Agan North, Barangay San Isidro, also under a search warrant. In the presence of the same suspect, police recovered one empty shell of a caliber .45 firearm and additional drug paraphernalia.
Legal Proceedings and Police Statement
The suspect and the confiscated items were transported to Police Station 2 for proper documentation and processing. Charges for violations of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) are being prepared.
PBGEN Arnold P. Ardiente, Regional Director of PRO 12, commended the operating teams for their swift and coordinated response. “This operation demonstrates our commitment to keeping SOCCSKSARGEN safe from the threats of illegal drugs and unlicensed firearms. We will continue to intensify our intelligence-driven operations to dismantle criminal activities that endanger our communities. I urge the public to cooperate with law enforcement and report any suspicious activities to help us build a safer region for everyone,” he said.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to conducting similar operations to curb illegal activities and maintain public safety across the region.
