TANTANGAN, South Cotabato — A 53-year-old man was arrested after police allegedly recovered a caliber .45 pistol, several magazines and dozens of rounds of ammunition during the implementation of a search warrant in Barangay Maibo, Tantangan, South Cotabato, on August 25, 2026.
The Tantangan Municipal Police Station said its personnel implemented the search warrant at around 7:27 p.m. against the suspect identified only as alias “Ronan,” a 53-year-old married resident of Purok Tuburan, Barangay Maibo.
The warrant was issued in connection with an alleged violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. It was signed by the Executive Judge of the 11th Judicial Region in Surallah, South Cotabato, on August 18, 2026.
Pistol, Magazines and Ammunition Recovered
During the search, police allegedly found inside a sling bag a Remington Rand Inc. Syracuse N.Y., U.S.A. pistol, reportedly chambered in caliber .45, bearing serial number 572391. A magazine loaded with seven rounds of ammunition was reportedly recovered with the firearm.
Police also recovered two additional caliber .45 magazines underneath a pillow inside the suspect’s room. According to authorities, one of the magazines contained seven rounds, while the other contained five rounds.
Adding to the seized items were two links of alleged caliber .30 live ammunition found on top of a cabinet inside the suspect’s room. The ammunition reportedly consisted of a total of 60 rounds.
The recovery of the firearm and ammunition prompted the arrest of the suspect as authorities proceeded with the documentation and processing of the seized items.
Evidence Subjected to Forensic Examination
Police said an inventory of the seized evidence was conducted in the presence of the suspect, a media representative and an elected public official, as part of the required documentation of the operation.
The recovered firearm, magazines and ammunition are set to be submitted to the South Cotabato Provincial Forensic Unit for ballistic examination and other appropriate forensic procedures.
Authorities are also preparing the appropriate criminal complaint against the suspect for the alleged violation of RA 10591, which will be filed before the proper court.
Police have yet to establish through the court proceedings whether the suspect will ultimately be held criminally liable for the alleged offense. The confiscated firearm and ammunition will likewise undergo forensic examination to establish their condition and other relevant ballistic details.
The operation underscores the continuing enforcement of the country’s firearms law, particularly against the unauthorized possession of firearms and ammunition.