A 61-year-old farmer was arrested after authorities allegedly recovered suspected shabu and an unlicensed firearm during a predawn search warrant operation in Barangay Bentangan, Carmen, Cotabato on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Police identified the suspect only through the alias “Sandag” or “Dags,” a resident of Sitio Mirakurak, Purok 2-A of the said barangay.
According to the report, the operation was carried out at around 2:35 a.m. through the implementation of Search Warrant No. 26-15 for alleged violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The operation was led by the Carmen Municipal Police Station in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the 2nd Cotabato Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit of the Cotabato Police Provincial Office.
Authorities said operatives served the search warrant at the suspect’s residence where they allegedly discovered and confiscated one caliber .45 pistol, a steel magazine loaded with three rounds of ammunition, six sachets containing suspected shabu, one empty sachet, a sling bag, and a holster.
Police estimated the confiscated illegal drugs to weigh around 0.5 grams with an estimated street value of P3,500.
The marking and inventory of the seized evidence were conducted at the scene in the presence of barangay officials and members of the media, in compliance with standard operating procedures.
The suspect was immediately taken into custody and is currently detained at the Carmen Municipal Police Station for booking procedures and filing of appropriate charges in court.
Authorities are preparing charges for alleged violations of RA 9165 and RA 10591 against the suspect.