STO. NIÑO, South Cotabato — A 36-year-old man was arrested during a joint law enforcement operation after allegedly attempting to sell an unlicensed firearm in a buy-bust operation conducted in Barangay Panay, Sto. Niño, South Cotabato, on Friday, July 24, 2026.
The suspect, identified only by his alias “Jimmy,” is facing charges for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, following the successful operation carried out by combined police and elite units.
The operation was led by personnel of the Sto. Niño Municipal Police Station in coordination with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Regional Field Unit 12 – South Cotabato Provincial Field Unit, the 2nd South Cotabato Provincial Mobile Force Company (SCPMFC), the 43rd Special Action Force Special Action Company (SAF SAC), the 2nd Company Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), and the South Cotabato Highway Patrol Team.
Authorities said the suspect, a resident of Barangay Busok, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat, was apprehended after allegedly completing an illegal firearm transaction with an undercover operative.
Illegal Firearm and Ammunition Recovered
Confiscated from the suspect during the operation were:
- The marked buy-bust money used in the transaction;
- One caliber .45 pistol;
- Two loaded magazines; and
- Four live rounds of ammunition.
Police said the suspect failed to produce any legal documents or permits authorizing his possession or sale of the firearm, prompting his immediate arrest.
The arrested suspect, along with the confiscated firearm, ammunition, magazines, and marked money, was turned over to the CIDG 12 South Cotabato Provincial Field Unit for proper documentation, processing of evidence, and filing of criminal charges under Republic Act No. 10591.
PRO-12 Reaffirms Crackdown on Illegal Firearms
Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12) emphasized that intensified operations against loose and illegally possessed firearms remain a priority, noting that such weapons often become tools in violent crimes, armed robberies, and other criminal activities.
Acting Regional Director PBGen. Alan B. Manibog underscored the importance of sustained enforcement efforts to keep communities safe.
“Hindi natin hahayaang makapasok sa ating mga komunidad ang mga ilegal na baril na maaaring gamitin sa karahasan at kriminalidad. Patuloy ang ating pinaigting na operasyon upang mapanatili ang ligtas at mapayapang pamayanan para sa bawat mamamayan,” Manibog said.
(“We will not allow illegal firearms that may be used in violence and criminality to proliferate in our communities. We will continue to intensify our operations to maintain safe and peaceful communities for every citizen.”)
Continuing Campaign Against Loose Firearms
The arrest forms part of the Philippine National Police’s continuing campaign to curb the proliferation of loose firearms across Region 12. Authorities have repeatedly warned that individuals found possessing, transporting, or selling firearms without the necessary licenses and permits will face criminal prosecution under Republic Act No. 10591.
Investigators are also looking into whether the suspect may have been involved in other illegal firearm transactions as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle networks engaged in the illicit trade of weapons in the region.
The suspect remains under police custody pending the filing of appropriate charges. As of this writing, authorities have not disclosed whether additional persons of interest are being pursued in connection with the operation.