SANTIAGO, Agusan del Norte — Police authorities seized high-powered firearms, pistols, and ammunition and arrested a 46-year-old man during the implementation of a search warrant in Purok 8, Barangay Tagbuyacan, Santiago, Agusan del Norte on January 4, 2026.
The operation was led by the 2nd Agusan del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company (2nd ADNPMFC) in coordination with the Santiago Municipal Police Station, 1st Special Action Battalion (1SAB), PNP-Special Action Force (SAF), and Regional Intelligence Division 13 (RID 13).
The suspect, identified only as alias “Carmelo,” is a married, self-employed resident of Purok 7, Barangay 9, Cabadbaran City. He was arrested after authorities recovered multiple loose firearms and ammunition from his possession.
According to Police Colonel April Mark C. Young, Provincial Director of the Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office (ADNPPO), the confiscated items include:
- One 5.56 assault rifle with muzzle suppressor and optic (B.F.I. Windham ME USA, Bushmaster, Serial No. L889958)
- Two .45 caliber pistols – a 1911 Caspian (no serial number) and a Colt 45 1911 US Army (Serial No. 809801)
- Two 5.56 aluminum magazines (long and short)
- Three .45 caliber magazines (black and silver)
- Ten rounds of 5.56 ammunition
- Seven rounds of .45 caliber ammunition
- One piece of fake gold dust
- One red backpack
The suspect was informed of his constitutional rights in a language or dialect known to him and is currently detained at the Santiago Municipal Police Station. He will face charges for violation of Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Representatives from the Department of Justice, media, and barangay officials were present during the operation to ensure transparency.
Col. Young stressed that the police will continue to intensify operations against loose firearms to prevent their use in criminal activities.
“The ADNPPO relentlessly intensifies operations against loose firearms to deter criminals from using firearms in illegal activities. We encourage the public to report suspicious individuals in possession of illegal firearms and urge gun owners with expired licenses or unregistered firearms to surrender them to authorities for safekeeping,” Young said.
Authorities said the operation forms part of the PNP’s sustained campaign to maintain peace and order and curb the proliferation of illegal weapons in Agusan del Norte.