CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Authorities seized a hand grenade and several illegal firearms-related items during a search warrant operation in Barangay Mambuaya, Cagayan de Oro City, in the early hours of the morning, while the primary target of the operation managed to evade arrest.
The operation was carried out by a joint team composed of intelligence operatives from Police Station 8 and members of the City Mobile Force Company (CMFC) Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit. The raid was conducted based on a search warrant issued in connection with alleged violations of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
During the search of the suspect’s residence, law enforcement officers recovered a hand grenade, a KG99 9mm pistol, one firearm magazine, and eight rounds of live ammunition. The confiscated items were immediately taken into police custody and will serve as evidence in the filing of appropriate criminal charges.
Despite the successful recovery of the illegal weapons, authorities were unable to apprehend the subject of the warrant, who was reportedly not present at the location when the raid was conducted.
Police officials emphasized that the seizure of the grenade was particularly significant due to the potential danger it posed to the community. The presence of an explosive device in a residential area raises serious security concerns and underscores the continuing efforts of law enforcement agencies to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms and explosives.
Investigators are currently conducting follow-up operations and intelligence-gathering activities to determine the suspect’s whereabouts and facilitate his arrest. Authorities have also begun preparing the necessary legal cases stemming from the recovered firearm, ammunition, and explosive device.
The Philippine National Police reiterated its commitment to intensifying operations against individuals involved in the illegal possession of firearms and explosives, warning that such offenses carry severe penalties under existing laws.
Officials urged members of the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities by reporting any information that could aid in the capture of the suspect and the prevention of similar threats to public safety.
The confiscated items are now undergoing proper documentation and processing as part of the ongoing investigation. Police have not yet released the identity of the suspect pending the continuation of manhunt operations.