MIDSAYAP, Cotabato — A routine police checkpoint in Midsayap, Cotabato turned into a significant law enforcement operation after a 57-year-old former barangay chairman was arrested for allegedly resisting and disobeying lawful orders from police officers, with authorities subsequently recovering a .357-caliber revolver, 17 rounds of ammunition and 18.693 grams of suspected shabu from his possession.
Arrested was alias “Mauricio,” 57, married, a former barangay chairman and resident of Barangay Barangiran, Alamada, Cotabato.
The arrest took place at about 11:30 p.m. on August 28, 2026, at the Barangay Sadaan Checkpoint in Midsayap, where personnel of the Midsayap Municipal Police Station (Midsayap MPS) were conducting checkpoint operations as part of intensified police visibility and crime-prevention efforts.
According to police, officers flagged down a black Honda Click motorcycle without a plate number allegedly being driven by Mauricio.
Authorities said the suspect allegedly resisted and disobeyed the lawful instructions of the police officers during the checkpoint operation. He was subsequently arrested for alleged violation of Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code, which covers resistance and disobedience to persons in authority or their agents.
Gun, 17 rounds of ammunition recovered
During the police intervention, officers allegedly recovered a .357-caliber revolver without a serial number from the suspect.
Police also recovered 17 rounds of ammunition reportedly compatible with the firearm.
The absence of a serial number on the revolver is among the circumstances being considered by authorities as they prepare a complaint under Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
In addition to the firearm and ammunition, police also recovered six sachets containing a substance suspected to be methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu.
The seized substance reportedly weighed a total of 18.693 grams and was placed at an estimated street value of ₱127,112.40.
The seizure adds a possible drug case to the initial arrest arising from the alleged resistance and disobedience at the checkpoint.
Evidence documented, suspected drugs for laboratory examination
Following the arrest, the suspect and the recovered items were brought to the Midsayap Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and legal disposition.
Police said the seized evidence underwent the required marking, inventory, photography and documentation procedures in accordance with applicable laws and established protocols, with the necessary witnesses present.
The six sachets of suspected shabu will be submitted to the appropriate forensic laboratory for examination to determine whether the substance is indeed methamphetamine hydrochloride and to establish the final evidentiary findings.
Meanwhile, the firearm and ammunition will form part of the evidence in the investigation into the alleged violation of the country’s firearms law.
Charges being prepared
Authorities are preparing appropriate complaints against Mauricio for alleged violations of:
- Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code for resistance and disobedience to persons in authority or their agents;
- Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002; and
- Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The specific charges and their final legal classification will depend on the results of the investigation, forensic examination and evaluation by the appropriate authorities.
The arrest also highlights the role of checkpoint operations in detecting alleged violations beyond the initial purpose of routine inspection, particularly when officers encounter persons allegedly carrying prohibited drugs or undocumented firearms.
PRO 12 chief stresses importance of police visibility
PBGen Alan B. Manibog, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 12 (PRO 12), underscored the importance of sustained police visibility and checkpoint operations in maintaining peace and security in communities.
“Sa bawat checkpoint, naroon ang ating kapulisan upang protektahan ang komunidad. Ang pagsunod sa batas ay pananagutan ng bawat isa, at patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating operasyon laban sa anumang banta sa kapayapaan at seguridad,” Manibog said.
The police official’s statement comes as law enforcement agencies continue to strengthen police presence and crime-prevention activities across the region.
For now, the alleged possession of illegal drugs and firearms remains under investigation. The suspected shabu has yet to undergo laboratory confirmation, while the firearm and ammunition are subject to verification and further investigation.
Mauricio remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt by a competent court.