GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Four individuals were arrested while firearms, explosives, illegal drugs, and suspected smuggled cigarettes were confiscated during a joint law enforcement operation conducted by the General Santos City Police Office in Barangay Calumpang early Friday morning, May 23, 2026.
Authorities identified the arrested suspects only through their aliases: “Mando,” 45, jobless; “Pait,” 49, fisherman; “Kadya,” 42, fisherman; and “Tatoy,” 48, fisherman. All are residents of Barangay Calumpang, General Santos City.
According to police reports, personnel of Police Station 10-GSCPO, together with operatives from the SWAT-GSCPO and GSCPO-City Intelligence Unit, implemented search warrants at around 5:30 a.m. for alleged violations of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The search warrants were issued by the Regional Trial Court in General Santos City on May 19, 2026.
Police said the operation was conducted in the presence of elected barangay officials and members of the media to ensure transparency. Operating teams also utilized Body-Worn Cameras (BWCs) and Alternative Recording Devices (ARDs) during the implementation of the warrants.
During the raid, the primary suspect allegedly attempted to escape and resisted arrest but was immediately subdued by law enforcement personnel.
Authorities recovered several firearms and ammunition from the target houses, including homemade firearms and assorted live ammunition. Multiple sachets containing suspected shabu were also confiscated from the second house searched by operatives.
Further search operations conducted at around 7:50 a.m. in the first house resulted in the discovery of an M433 40mm grenade explosive, additional ammunition, a homemade revolver, a .22 magnum paltik revolver pistol, and 36 reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes.
Police investigators are currently conducting marking, inventory, and documentation of all seized evidence before filing the appropriate criminal charges against the suspects.
The arrested individuals may face charges for violations of Republic Act 10591, Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and other applicable laws related to explosives and smuggled goods.
PBGEN Alan B. Manibog, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 12, commended the operating units for the successful conduct of the operation and reiterated the police force’s commitment to intensifying anti-criminality campaigns across the region.
“This successful operation reflects the dedication and professionalism of our personnel in enforcing the law and ensuring public safety in the community,” Manibog said.