GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines — Five individuals were arrested and suspected illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, and a fragmentation grenade were recovered during a police search operation in Barangay Labangal, General Santos City, on August 20, 2026.
The operation was carried out by joint elements of Police Station 2, Regional Intelligence Unit 12 (RIU 12), the Criminal Investigation Unit of the General Santos City Police Office (CIU-GSCPO), the City Mobile Force Company-Special Weapons and Tactics (CMFC-SWAT), the GSCPO City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU), and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12 (RMFB 12).
Police said the teams implemented a search warrant for an alleged violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, against 42-year-old Katherine Pecaña Ricaforte, also known by the alias “Debi,” a resident of Barangay Labangal.
Four other individuals were also arrested during the operation. They were identified only by their aliases as “Angkoy,” 47; “Yoyo,” 46; “Bonex,” 23; and “Feli,” 19. All five were identified as residents of the area.
Authorities said the search resulted in the recovery of approximately 60 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of ₱408,000, along with approximately four grams of suspected marijuana and various items of drug paraphernalia.
Adding to the seriousness of the operation, police also recovered one MK2 fragmentation grenade from the area.
The recovery of the explosive prompted the involvement of the General Santos City Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit, which secured the grenade for proper handling and disposition.
Police said all five individuals were arrested for alleged violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Ricaforte, alias “Debi,” was additionally arrested for an alleged violation of Republic Act 9516, which covers unlawful manufacture, sale, acquisition, possession or use of explosives and incendiary devices.
Authorities emphasized that the seized items were properly marked, inventoried, and photographed in accordance with established procedures to preserve their evidentiary value for the cases to be filed against the arrested individuals.
The five suspects were brought to Police Station 2 of the General Santos City Police Office for proper disposition, while the recovered evidence was secured for the appropriate legal proceedings.
The operation underscores the continuing police campaign against illegal drugs and the possession of unauthorized firearms and explosives in General Santos City, particularly as law enforcement agencies intensify efforts to prevent dangerous weapons and illegal drugs from circulating in communities.
The allegations against the arrested individuals will be subject to investigation and the appropriate judicial proceedings.