LAMBAYONG, Sultan Kudarat — Authorities arrested a barangay kagawad and his civilian bodyguard after several firearms and ammunition were seized inside the official’s residence during a search warrant operation early morning on February 25 in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat.
The suspects were identified as Frederich Joey Gacula Pande, a sitting barangay kagawad of Barangay Palumbi, and his house guard, Antonio Orlanda Biala. Both are residents of Purok Liwa-Liwa, Barangay Palumbi, Lambayong.
The operation was carried out at around 6:05 a.m. by operatives of the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Sultan Kudarat Provincial Field Unit 12, with support from other police units, following the issuance of Search Warrant No. 2026-06.
The warrant was signed by Acting Presiding Judge Felix F. Mesa of the Regional Trial Court Branch 20 based in Tacurong City.
According to the police report, authorities conducted a thorough search of the barangay official’s house where they recovered a Bushmaster M16 rifle equipped with a scope, two steel magazines, and several rounds of ammunition. Also confiscated were eight live rounds of 7.62 rifle ammunition and a caliber .45 pistol with a magazine loaded with nine live bullets.
Investigators said the suspects failed to present any legal documents or permits for the firearms and ammunition found inside the residence, prompting their immediate arrest.
Police said the operation formed part of Oplan Paglalansag Omega, a campaign aimed at dismantling suspected private armed groups operating in Sultan Kudarat.
Both Pande and Biala are now under the custody of CIDG Sultan Kudarat while authorities prepare the filing of charges against them for violation of Republic Act No. 10591, also known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Authorities emphasized that the crackdown on illegal firearms remains a priority, particularly as law enforcement intensifies efforts to curb the presence of private armed groups and unlicensed weapons in local communities.