Datu Paglas, Maguindanao del Sur — A series of law enforcement operations led by the Datu Paglas Municipal Police Station (MPS), in coordination with various law enforcement units, resulted in the arrest of six individuals and the recovery of illegal drugs and firearms between July 30 and August 1, 2025.
On August 1, a joint operation by the Datu Paglas MPS tracker team, 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), Philippine Army, and the Highway Patrol Group was conducted in Barangay Katil. The operation aimed to serve an arrest warrant on a suspect known as alias “Banog,” wanted for attempted murder. Although the primary target escaped, five individuals were apprehended.
The arrested suspects were identified as Mohamadisa, Faizben, Masla, Saudi, and Baisela. Authorities seized approximately 0.6 grams of suspected shabu valued at ₱4,080.00, along with several drug paraphernalia including lighters, tooters, aluminum foil, and a digital weighing scale.
The operation also led to the confiscation of several firearms and ammunition:
- One M16 rifle (serial number RP258526)
- Two 5.56mm magazines
- One homemade Uzi with one Uzi magazine
- Two single-shot improvised pistols
- Nineteen rounds of 5.56mm ammunition
- Eight rounds of 9mm ammunition
- Ten ₱100 bills suspected to be drug money
Two days earlier, on July 30, another individual, alias “Hashim,” was arrested for resistance and disobedience to authorities under Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code. The arrest took place in Barangay Makat, Datu Paglas, following reports of a disturbance. Hashim violently resisted arrest, prompting police intervention. A sachet of suspected shabu and a small pouch wallet were recovered during the arrest.
All six suspects are now in police custody and face charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Republic Act No. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act), and resistance and disobedience to persons in authority. The seized items have been turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit (RFU) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for ballistic and chemical laboratory examinations.
In a statement, PCOL Sultan Salman H. Sapal, Provincial Director of the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, lauded the efforts of the operating units and reaffirmed the police force’s dedication to public safety.
“We will continue to conduct operations against those who engage in illegal activities. Our campaign against illegal drugs and firearms will not stop until peace and security are fully ensured for our communities,” he said.
Authorities assured the public that intensified law enforcement operations will persist across the province to prevent the spread of criminality.