CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — Authorities arrested a man and seized several unlicensed firearms and ammunition during a coordinated police operation in Barangay Lunao, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental on October 25, 2025.
Personnel of the 1001st Maneuver Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB 10), in coordination with the Gingoog City Police Station and the Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office, executed two search warrants that led to the arrest of a suspect identified as alias Rayan, 30 years old, married, jobless, and a resident of the area.
The suspect was apprehended for violating Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
According to the police, the operation stemmed from a report by a concerned civilian who observed the suspect in possession of a firearm. Acting on the tip, authorities conducted surveillance to confirm the report. Upon verification, the police sought and secured two search warrants (Nos. SW-42-2025 and SW-43-2025) issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 43, 10th Judicial Region, on October 22, 2025.
During the implementation of the warrants, law enforcers recovered a cache of firearms and ammunition from two separate houses linked to the suspect.
From the first residence, police confiscated one homemade .38 revolver, one homemade .22 revolver, six misfired .38 ammunition, five live .22 ammunition, and one empty .22 shell.
Meanwhile, the second house yielded one .45 caliber pistol marked “COLT MFG. CO HARTFORD, M1911A1 US ARMY (UNITED STATES PROPERTY)” with serial number 094511, one live 9mm ammunition, seven live .45 ammunition, one blue sling bag, and one steel .45 magazine.
The arrested suspect and all seized items were brought to the Gingoog City Police Station for documentation and proper disposition, as authorities prepare to file the appropriate criminal charges.
PBGEN Christopher N. Abrahano, Acting Regional Director of Police Regional Office 10 (PRO 10), commended the operating units for their precision and swift execution of the operation.
“This operation shows our firm stance against loose firearms, which often serve as tools of intimidation and violence. We will continue to safeguard communities in Northern Mindanao and ensure that the rule of law prevails,” Abrahano said.
He further reminded the public that firearm ownership entails strict legal responsibility, urging citizens to ensure that their guns are properly licensed, registered, and renewed in compliance with R.A. 10591.
PRO 10 also called on the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement by reporting illegal firearms, suspicious activities, and other crimes in their communities.