Authorities arrested a 43-year-old farmer after a search warrant operation uncovered illegal drugs, firearms, and ammunition inside his residence in Barangay Colongulo, Surallah, South Cotabato on Wednesday morning, February 25.
The suspect was identified as Winston Calawigan, also known by the alias “Weng-Weng,” a married resident of Purok Asparagus in the said village.
The operation was carried out by joint elements of the Philippine National Police through the Surallah Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the South Cotabato Provincial Intelligence Team (SC PIT), Regional Intelligence Unit 12 (RIU 12), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region XII.
According to police reports, operatives implemented a court-issued search warrant at the suspect’s house, which led to the discovery of suspected illegal drugs and firearms in his possession.
Recovered during the search were a sachet containing approximately 1.80 grams of suspected shabu and another sachet containing about 2.73 grams of dried marijuana leaves, with an estimated combined value of more than ₱14,000. Authorities also confiscated drug paraphernalia with traces of shabu.
In addition to the illegal drugs, law enforcers seized a Taurus caliber 9mm pistol, a steel magazine, a caliber .45 pistol, and several rounds of ammunition. The ammunition included 25 rounds for a 9mm firearm, 23 rounds for a caliber .45 pistol, and more than 40 assorted rounds, including those compatible with a 12-gauge firearm.
Police said the inventory of the confiscated items was conducted on-site in the presence of required witnesses from the media and the local government to ensure transparency and proper documentation of evidence.
Following the operation, Calawigan was taken into police custody for booking and documentation. Authorities are preparing the filing of appropriate charges against him for alleged violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
Officials noted that the operation forms part of the continuing anti-criminality and anti-illegal drugs campaign of law enforcement agencies in South Cotabato. They also reiterated their call for community cooperation in reporting illegal activities to help maintain peace and order in the area.