SOUTH COTABATO — Police operations led by the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office (SCPPO) resulted in two successful arrests on Saturday, October 4, 2025, highlighting the province’s ongoing efforts to ensure public safety and maintain peace and order.
At around 11:40 a.m., a concerned citizen reported a suspicious man carrying a backpack with a protruding firearm in Barangay Lambontong, Surallah. Acting swiftly on the report, personnel of the Surallah Municipal Police Station (MPS), under the direction of PCOL Samuel T. Cadungon, Provincial Director of SCPPO, immediately responded and apprehended the suspect.
The man, identified only by the alias “Bon-bon,” 35, was found in possession of a homemade rifle with an attached 40mm grenade launcher, a magazine, several 40mm ammunitions, and a blue-gray backpack. The suspect and the confiscated items were brought to the Surallah Police Station for proper documentation and disposition.
Meanwhile, just minutes earlier at around 11:30 a.m., operatives from the Polomolok Municipal Police Station (MPS), in coordination with Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12 (RMFB12), Criminal Investigation and Detection Group 12 (CIDG12), South Cotabato Provincial Intelligence Unit (SCPIU), Regional Intelligence Division 12 (RID12), 1st South Cotabato Provincial Mobile Force Company (SCPMFC), and Provincial Investigation Team – South Cotabato Regional Intelligence Unit 12 (PIT SO COT RIU 12), successfully served a warrant of arrest in Barangay Linan, Tupi.
The suspect, known as alias “Lito,” 54, was wanted for Acts of Lasciviousness in relation to Republic Act 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act). The warrant carried a recommended bail of ₱400,000.
Police Colonel Cadungon lauded the prompt action of the police personnel involved, emphasizing that these accomplishments reflect the unwavering commitment of SCPPO to safeguard communities through swift response and inter-agency coordination.
“These operations are a testament to our dedication to ensuring that South Cotabato remains a safe place for all,” Cadungon said.
Authorities continue to remind the public to remain vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious activity to local police stations for timely action.