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DATU MONTAWAL, Maguindanao del Sur — A joint mobile patrol operation by police and military forces led to the arrest of a 26-year-old man and the seizure of nearly ₱1.8 million worth of suspected shabu and an unlicensed firearm on the evening of January 17, 2026, authorities said.
The suspect, identified by police as alias “Malik,” was apprehended at around 6:30 p.m. during a coordinated patrol conducted by the Datu Montawal Municipal Police Station, in collaboration with the 4th Maneuver Platoon, 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, and the 40th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.
According to PCPT Nurjhasier A. Sali, Chief of Police of Datu Montawal MPS, patrol officers noticed the suspect acting restless and visibly anxious upon seeing the joint security team. When authorities approached him for verification, the suspect allegedly attempted to flee but was swiftly pursued and arrested.
A subsequent search yielded 262.96 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of ₱1,788,128, concealed inside the suspect’s bag. Police also recovered one caliber .38 revolver tucked in his waistband, along with two live rounds of ammunition.
The suspect was immediately informed of the cause of his arrest and was apprised of his constitutional rights under the Miranda Doctrine and the Anti-Torture Law, in a dialect known and understood by him. Authorities said all seized items were properly marked, inventoried, and documented in accordance with standard operating procedures, and in the presence of mandatory witnesses, including local officials and a media representative.
The suspect is now in the custody of the Datu Montawal Police, facing charges for violations of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act 10591, or Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition.
The operation was carried out under the continuing directive of PCOL Sultan Salman H. Sapal, Provincial Director of Maguindanao del Sur, to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs, loose firearms, and criminality in the province.
“This successful operation is clear proof that our law enforcement units remain relentless in protecting our communities,” PCOL Sapal said, commending the Datu Montawal MPS and its partner units. “We will not stop. Operations will continue to ensure the safety of our people and the peace of our communities.”
PCPT Sali echoed the commitment, saying the police station “will continue to enforce the law decisively and work closely with the military and the community to keep Datu Montawal safe.”
Authorities said further investigation is ongoing to determine whether the suspect is linked to a larger illegal drug network operating in the area.