MATALAM, Cotabato — A man was arrested after police seized an unlicensed firearm and suspected illegal drugs during the implementation of a search warrant in the early hours of Friday, January 24, 2026, in Purok Rang-ay, Barangay Central Malamote, Matalam, Cotabato.
Personnel of the Matalam Municipal Police Station served the search warrant at around 4:00 a.m., targeting a suspect identified only as alias “Jun-Jun,” of legal age and a resident of the said barangay.
During the search of the suspect’s residence, authorities recovered two medium-sized sachets containing a substance believed to be shabu, along with one unit of a caliber .45 pistol.
Police said the operation was conducted as part of intensified efforts against illegal drugs and loose firearms in the municipality. The seized items were properly documented and will be subjected to forensic examination.
The suspect is currently under the custody of the Matalam PNP and is facing charges for violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Further investigation is ongoing to determine possible links of the suspect to other illegal activities, police added.