COTABATO CITY — A 20-year-old man was arrested after authorities discovered an unlicensed firearm in his possession during a police checkpoint operation in the early hours of April 1, 2026, at the intersection of Sinsuat Avenue and Macapagal Street in Mother Barangay Rosary Heights.
The suspect, identified only by the alias “John,” is a single, self-employed resident of Purok Matigkel, Barangay Rosary Heights 7.
According to a report from Police Station 2, the joint checkpoint was being conducted at around 12:05 a.m. by personnel from the station, in coordination with the Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) and the City Mobile Force Company (CMFC), as part of intensified security measures in the area.
Authorities said the suspect was riding a black Honda XRM motorcycle without a license plate when he approached the checkpoint. Upon noticing the police presence, he allegedly made a sudden U-turn toward Macapagal Street, raising suspicion among officers.
A spotter from the TEU immediately flagged down the suspect, prompting a routine inspection. During the frisk, operatives recovered a caliber .45 pistol bearing serial number 378214, along with one magazine and three rounds of ammunition.
The suspect failed to present any legal documents or permit to carry the firearm, leading to his immediate arrest for violation of Republic Act 10591, also known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
He is currently under police custody while authorities prepare the appropriate charges against him.
Police officials underscored the importance of checkpoint operations in preventing the proliferation of loose firearms and ensuring public safety, especially during nighttime hours when criminal activities are more likely to occur.