SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao del Norte — Operatives of the Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR) seized three high-powered firearms during an entrapment operation against suspected gun runners in Sitio Manito, Barangay Dalumangcob, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte on Friday afternoon, January 16, 2026.
Confiscated during the operation were two M16A1 rifles and one M14 rifle, along with several rounds of ammunition and marked “blood money” amounting to ₱300,000. The buy-bust operation was conducted around 3:30 p.m. as part of intensified efforts to curb the proliferation of loose firearms in the region.
However, the two suspects managed to flee before they could be arrested after sensing that their supposed buyers were government operatives. The suspects reportedly abandoned their Suzuki Multicab vehicle at the scene as they escaped.
Authorities identified the suspects as Esmael A. Acob, a resident of Barangay Senditan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, and Karon Al-Harthy Rodriguez of Purok Red Lea, Poloy-Poloy, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat Province. Their identities were confirmed through identification cards left inside the abandoned vehicle.
According to PRO BAR, the operation was carried out by police intelligence operatives in coordination with security elements of the Kampilan Division. The suspects had been under surveillance for several months prior to the operation due to information linking them to illegal firearms trading in the area.
Investigators said the suspects became suspicious before the transaction could be completed and immediately fled the scene, leaving behind the firearms, ammunition, and vehicle.
The seized weapons are now in the custody of the police for proper documentation and ballistic examination. A manhunt operation has been launched to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
PRO BAR reiterated its commitment to intensify operations against gun runners and loose firearms, especially in areas vulnerable to election-related violence and criminal activities.
“Hindi titigil ang kapulisan sa pagtugis sa mga sindikatong sangkot sa ilegal na bentahan ng armas. Ang operasyon na ito ay patunay ng aming determinasyon na panatilihin ang kapayapaan at seguridad sa rehiyon,” the police said in a statement.
Further investigation is ongoing.