POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato — Authorities have launched an intensive manhunt for unidentified suspects who broke into the residence of a Philippine Army officer and stole three licensed firearms, including a government-issued weapon, in Barangay Magsaysay, Polomolok on the night of June 16, 2026.
According to a report from the Polomolok Municipal Police Station (MPS), police received a call from a concerned citizen at around 10:30 p.m. regarding a burglary incident at a house located in SK Block 1, Purok Bagtindon, Barangay Magsaysay. An alert team was immediately dispatched to verify the report and secure the area.
Initial investigation revealed that the homeowners, identified only by their aliases “Michael” and “Maria,” were not at home when the crime occurred. Michael, 49, is an officer of the Military Intelligence Battalion of the Philippine Army and is currently assigned in Tanay, Rizal. He and his wife had reportedly left their residence at around 8:30 a.m. to attend to matters at a hospital and only returned at approximately 10:30 p.m.
Upon arriving home, the couple discovered that unknown individuals had forcibly entered their residence after damaging the security locks. A subsequent inspection revealed that three firearms were missing.
The stolen weapons were identified as a Glock 23 Gen 4 caliber .40 pistol with Serial Number ADNU332, a government-issued Glock 17 caliber 9mm pistol with Serial Number AFP028121, and a Pistol/Parao with Serial Number 12008.
Investigators noted a peculiar aspect of the burglary: despite the presence of several valuable items inside the house, including a laptop computer, smartphones, a tablet, wristwatches, and other personal belongings, none of these were taken by the intruders.
The apparent focus on the firearms has prompted authorities to consider various angles in the ongoing investigation, including the possibility that the suspects specifically targeted the weapons.
During the crime scene examination, investigators recovered a cigarette butt and a pair of sunglasses believed to have been left behind by the perpetrators. Police said these items could provide crucial forensic evidence that may help identify those responsible for the burglary.
The Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) team arrived at the residence at around 12:40 a.m. on June 17 and conducted a thorough forensic examination of the area. The processing of the crime scene was completed at approximately 2:21 a.m.
In response to the incident, intelligence personnel immediately launched information-gathering operations, while mobile patrol units established checkpoints and chokepoints in strategic areas to intercept the suspects and recover the stolen firearms.
Authorities emphasized the urgency of locating the missing weapons, particularly the government-issued firearm, citing potential risks to public safety if the firearms fall into the hands of criminal elements.
The Polomolok Municipal Police Station continues to conduct a comprehensive investigation and coordinate with other law enforcement and military units to identify, track down, and arrest the suspects involved.
As of press time, no arrests have been made, and the whereabouts of the stolen firearms remain unknown. Police are appealing to the public to report any information that may assist in the investigation.