MALUNGON, Sarangani Province — Police arrested the son of a former vice mayor of Malungon after authorities recovered suspected illegal drugs, a fragmentation grenade, a firearm, and ammunition during a search warrant operation early Friday morning, February 27, 2026, in Sitio Agdao 1, Barangay Talus.
The suspect, identified by police as alias “Mar,” a farmer and resident of the area, was apprehended after joint operatives from the Sarangani Police Provincial Office and the Malungon Municipal Police Station served Search Warrant No. 05-2026 issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 49 in Alabel.
Authorities said the operation was conducted at around 6:43 a.m., led by Malungon police chief PLTCOL Geovanni E. Ladeo with support from the Provincial Intelligence Unit of SPPO, the 1st Sarangani Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the Regional Intelligence Unit 12.
Contraband Found Inside Suspect’s Room
During the search of the suspect’s house, police discovered several illegal items inside his room. Among those recovered were three heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu weighing approximately 0.2 grams with an estimated street value of ₱1,360.
Also seized during the operation were one MK2 fragmentation hand grenade, a caliber .38 revolver with serial number 6995994, and six live rounds of .38 caliber ammunition.
Police said the search warrant was issued primarily for alleged violations of illegal firearm possession laws, but the operation also led to the discovery of suspected illegal drugs.
Proper Procedures Observed
Authorities conducted the marking and inventory of the seized items at the site of the operation in the presence of the suspect, an elected barangay kagawad, and a media representative to ensure transparency and compliance with procedures.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel were also called in to safely secure the grenade recovered from the scene.
Charges Being Prepared
The suspect is now under the custody of the Malungon Municipal Police Station while authorities prepare the filing of criminal charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, particularly Section 11 (possession of dangerous drugs), and Republic Act No. 10591, which covers illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
Police said the case will undergo inquest proceedings as investigators continue to process the evidence and documentation related to the arrest.
Local authorities have yet to release further details regarding the involvement or possible links of the suspect to illegal drug activities in the area. However, officials reiterated that the operation forms part of the continuing crackdown on illegal drugs and loose firearms across Sarangani Province.