TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte — A 47-year-old man was arrested late Sunday night, March 22, 2026, after police discovered an unlicensed firearm tucked in his waistband during a checkpoint operation in the city.
The arrest took place at around 10:30 p.m. along Quirante Street, near Mugshot Resto Bar in Barangay Magugpo Poblacion, as personnel from Mobile Patrol Unit 7 conducted “Oplan Bakal Sita,” a police initiative aimed at intercepting loose firearms and preventing criminal activity.
Authorities identified the suspect only by his alias “Ronald,” a married electrician and resident of Purok 2-A, Suico Compound, Barangay San Miguel, Tagum City.
According to police reports, officers noticed the handle of a firearm protruding from the suspect’s waist in plain view while he was passing through the checkpoint. The visible presence of the weapon immediately prompted authorities to approach and question him.
When asked to present legal documentation for the firearm, the suspect failed to produce any permit or license, prompting law enforcers to proceed with his arrest at approximately 10:45 p.m.
Seized from his possession was a Remington Rand Inc. .45 caliber pistol loaded with a magazine containing five live rounds. Police also recovered an additional magazine loaded with six live rounds, further strengthening the case against him.
The suspect is now under the custody of the Tagum City Police Station and is set to face charges for violation of Republic Act 10591, also known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, which penalizes the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
Police officials reiterated that operations like “Oplan Bakal Sita” remain a critical component of their campaign to curb criminality and ensure public safety, especially in urban centers.
Authorities also called on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement by reporting any suspicious or illegal activities in their communities. The public may contact the Tagum City Police hotline at 0919-748-5024 for immediate assistance.
The successful arrest underscores the continued efforts of local police to tighten security measures and prevent the proliferation of unlicensed firearms in Tagum City.