KABACAN, Cotabato — A 37-year-old driver was arrested in a pre-dawn police operation on March 19 after authorities raided his residence in Plang Village II, Barangay Poblacion, uncovering illegal drugs and an unlicensed firearm.
Police identified the suspect as alias “Rhazul,” a married resident of the area. The operation was carried out at around 2:30 a.m. by joint elements of the Kabacan Municipal Police Station (MPS), the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)–North Cotabato, Cotabato Police Provincial Office–Provincial Intelligence Unit (CPPO-PIU), Provincial Police Drug Enforcement Unit (PPDEU), and the 1st and 2nd Cotabato Provincial Mobile Force Companies.
The raid was conducted by virtue of two search warrants issued on March 17, 2026 by Executive Judge Jose T. Tabosares of the Regional Trial Court Branch 23 in Kidapawan City. The warrants covered violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act 9165) and the Illegal Possession of Firearms law (Republic Act 10591).
During the search, authorities recovered approximately 40 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of ₱272,000. The illegal drugs were found packed in various sizes of transparent plastic sachets, including two jumbo-sized, two large, and five medium-sized packets.
Also seized from the suspect’s residence were a caliber .38 revolver bearing serial number 513960, two live ammunition rounds, and drug paraphernalia, including an improvised glass tooter and a cotton buds container.
Police Lieutenant Colonel April Lou M. Palma, Chief of Police of Kabacan MPS, confirmed the successful operation, emphasizing that it was part of intensified efforts to curb illegal drug activities and the proliferation of loose firearms in the municipality.
The suspect was informed of his constitutional rights in a language he understood before being taken to a medical facility for examination. He is currently detained at the Kabacan Police Station custodial facility.
All confiscated evidence will be submitted to the Philippine National Police Forensic Unit (PNP-PFU) in Kidapawan City for laboratory and ballistics examination.
Authorities are preparing formal charges against the suspect, who is expected to undergo inquest proceedings in the coming hours.
Police underscored that the operation reflects their continuing commitment to maintaining peace and order in Kabacan through sustained anti-drug and law enforcement campaigns.