MIDSAYAP, COTABATO – A search warrant operation against a suspected drug offender turned deadly on the afternoon of August 13, 2025, in Purok 2B, Barangay Rangaban, Midsayap, Cotabato, leaving one man dead, one arrested, and another briefly detained but later released.
At around 5:30 p.m., personnel from the Midsayap Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the Provincial Intelligence Unit and the 34th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, moved to serve Search Warrant No. 25-022 against alias “Lanoy”, 49, a farmer and resident of the area, for violation of Section 11 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The warrant was issued by Hon. Rainera P. Osua, Executive Judge of RTC Branch 28, Midsayap, with proper coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Police reports stated that as the team approached the target’s residence and identified themselves as law enforcers, a man inside the house suddenly opened fire, prompting the operatives to return fire. The armed suspect was hit during the brief exchange and was rushed to Dr. Amado B. Diaz Foundation Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. He was later identified as alias “Bato” (DIPO), a relative of the primary suspect. His remains were immediately claimed by his family for burial in accordance with Muslim tradition.
Following the incident, authorities arrested alias “Lanoy”, the subject of the warrant, and restrained his brother, alias “Ry”, 53, a laborer from Barangay Kabulacan, Matalam, Cotabato. After verification and a body search, alias “Ry” was found not to be in possession of illegal items and was released.
The Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) from the Provincial Forensic Unit processed the area, recovering the following from the crime scene:
- Two fired cartridge cases of 5.56mm
- One homemade caliber .45 pistol (COLTS MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT, USA) with serial no. 931884, loaded with seven live rounds
- One homemade break-open pistol loaded with one fired 5.56mm cartridge case, without brand or serial number
A subsequent search of the premises yielded:
- Three heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu
- Three improvised glass tooters, one with traces of suspected shabu
- Two disposable lighters
- One pair of scissors
- Five live 5.56mm cartridges
- One black belt/sling bag
An inventory of the seized items was conducted on-site in the presence of barangay officials, a representative from the National Prosecution Service, and a media representative from Radyo Bandera.
Authorities are now preparing charges against alias “Lanoy” for violations of Sections 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) and 12 (Possession of Drug Paraphernalia) of RA 9165.
Police reiterated their commitment to enforcing anti-drug laws in the municipality, warning that armed resistance during lawful operations will be met with appropriate force.