MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur — Four individuals were arrested in separate checkpoint operations conducted by police authorities in Marawi City and Bacolod-Kalawi, Lanao del Sur on Monday, January 12, 2026, leading to the confiscation of an unlicensed firearm, ammunition, marijuana, and suspected shabu.
In Marawi City, personnel of the Marawi City Police Station (MCPS) apprehended two suspects during a lawful checkpoint operation along the highway of Barangay Cadayonan II. The suspects were riding a motorcycle without a plate number when they approached the checkpoint and were flagged down by police.
According to authorities, the two men displayed suspicious behavior during verification. One of the suspects, who was carrying a sling bag, appeared reluctant to reveal its contents, prompting police to conduct a thorough inspection. A cocked and trigger-ready pistol was discovered inside the bag, leading to their immediate arrest.
Recovered from their possession were one (1) NORINCO CNM1911A1 caliber .45 pistol with serial number BA24652-09-246, one (1) magazine for a caliber .45 pistol, and three (3) pieces of caliber .45 ammunition.
The two suspects were informed of their constitutional rights in a dialect fully understood by them and are now under the custody of the Marawi CPS for documentation and filing of charges for violation of Republic Act No. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and Article 148 of the Revised Penal Code (Direct Assault).
In a separate operation in Marawi City, another individual was arrested after checkpoint personnel intercepted a motorcycle whose rider appeared nervous and hesitant. Upon inspection of the rider’s belongings, police confiscated eight (8) zip-lock sachets containing dried marijuana leaves, with an estimated street value of Php 2,720. The suspect was immediately taken into custody for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Meanwhile, in Bacolod-Kalawi, Lanao del Sur, police operatives apprehended another suspect during a checkpoint operation based on information that the rider was transporting illegal drugs. Authorities recovered six (6) heat-sealed sachets containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu, with an estimated street value of Php 2,060.
The arrested individuals in both drug-related incidents were duly informed of their constitutional rights in a dialect they fully understood. They, along with the seized items, are now in police custody for documentation and the filing of appropriate charges.
PCOL Caezar P. Cabuhat, Provincial Director of the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (LDS PPO), commended the police units for their vigilance and successful operations in maintaining peace and order in the province.
He also reminded the public that unauthorized possession of firearms and illegal drugs are serious offenses and will be dealt with in accordance with the law.