TULUNAN, Cotabato — A 54-year-old man was arrested after authorities seized illegal drugs and a firearm during a buy-bust operation conducted Monday afternoon, April 20, 2026, in Barangay Poblacion.
The suspect, identified only by his aliases “Tapco” and “Ali,” is a resident of the area. He was apprehended at around 4:30 p.m. by joint operatives led by the Tulunan Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the 43rd Special Action Company of the 4th Special Action Battalion, Cotabato Police Provincial Office-Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (CPPO-PDEU), and Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU). The operation was also coordinated with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Region 12.
According to police reports, an undercover operative successfully purchased a sachet of suspected shabu from the suspect, triggering his immediate arrest. A subsequent body search yielded three more packets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu.
Authorities said the confiscated illegal drugs weighed approximately two grams, with an estimated street value of ₱13,600.
In addition to the drugs, operatives also recovered a homemade Uzi-type 9mm submachine gun with a magazine, three live rounds of ammunition, and the marked money used in the operation.
Police emphasized that the inventory and marking of the seized items were conducted on-site in the presence of the suspect, along with mandatory witnesses including a barangay official and a media representative, in compliance with standard procedures.
The suspect is currently detained at the Tulunan Municipal Police Station custodial facility and is set to face charges for violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act 10591, also known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to intensifying anti-drug operations in the province, warning individuals involved in illegal activities that law enforcement operations will remain relentless.