SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao del Norte — A 43-year-old man previously implicated in illegal firearms trading was arrested anew by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)–Maguindanao during an early-morning operation on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in Barangay Salimbao, Sultan Kudarat.
The suspect, identified only as alias “Michael,” a resident of the area, was apprehended for the same offense—illegal sale of firearms—underscoring what authorities described as a sustained law-enforcement crackdown on the proliferation of loose firearms in the province. The operation was led by PCPT Norman Marcos, Officer-in-Charge and Provincial Officer of the Maguindanao Police Field Unit (PFU).
CIDG officials said the arrest highlights intensified intelligence-driven efforts to neutralize repeat offenders involved in the illicit arms trade, a persistent security concern in parts of Mindanao. Authorities added that proper documentation and case build-up are underway, with the suspect set to face charges in court in accordance with existing firearms and public safety laws.