PALIMBANG, Sultan Kudarat — A checkpoint operation by the Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12) led to the arrest of a man in possession of illegal drugs and an unlicensed firearm on August 9, 2025, in Barangay San Roque.
Personnel of the Palimbang Municipal Police Station (MPS), under the Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office (SKPPO), were conducting routine inspections along the national highway when they flagged down a Nissan Navara pick-up traveling from General Santos City toward Palimbang. The vehicle was driven by alias “Pepito,” 43, a resident of Barangay Labangal, General Santos City.
Upon inspection, authorities recovered two sachets of suspected shabu weighing about 10 grams with an estimated value of ₱68,000, along with a caliber .45 pistol with a defaced serial number, one magazine, and five live ammunition. The suspect failed to present the necessary documents for the firearm.
The arrested individual, along with the seized items and vehicle, was taken to Palimbang MPS for documentation and proper disposition. Criminal charges for violations of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) are being prepared against him.
Police Regional Director PBGen Romeo Juan Macapaz commended the operating team for their vigilance and commitment to public safety.
“This accomplishment demonstrates our proactive approach in preventing the movement of illegal drugs and unlicensed firearms that threaten the peace and order of our communities. We will continue to intensify our law enforcement operations to safeguard the people of SOCCSKSARGEN,” Macapaz said.
Authorities stressed that checkpoint operations remain a vital measure to intercept criminal activities and maintain peace and order in the region.