MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR — A 30-year-old mechanic was arrested after police recovered an M14 rifle, ammunition and suspected shabu during an operation in Barangay Sapakan, Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur, on Thursday evening, August 27, 2026.
The operation, which was conducted at around 6:55 p.m., was led by PLTCOL Erwin G. Tabora, Force Commander of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (2nd PMFC), in coordination with personnel of the Mamasapano Municipal Police Station and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14 (RMFB 14).
Authorities identified the arrested individual as Rohamin Utto Mokalam, 30, and a resident of Barangay Sapakan.
Police said the operation was initially intended to implement a Warrant of Arrest against Haris Mato, the subject of Criminal Case No. SA-1402, issued by Judge Annabelle D. P. Piang, Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court Branch 15.
However, authorities said the operation led to the arrest of Mokalam after he allegedly attempted to flee upon noticing the presence of police officers.
According to the police account, the man was also reported to have reached for a firearm, prompting the operating personnel to immediately intervene and prevent him from escaping.
A subsequent search allegedly resulted in the recovery of several items from Mokalam, including an M14 Springfield rifle loaded with seven rounds of ammunition.
Police also recovered four sachets containing suspected shabu, with a combined reported weight of approximately 0.22 gram, along with an improvised tooter, an item commonly associated with the use of illegal drugs.
The seized firearm, ammunition and suspected illegal drugs were taken into police custody for proper documentation and disposition.
Mokalam is now under police custody and is set to face appropriate charges for alleged violations of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act; Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002; and relevant provisions of the Omnibus Election Code, according to authorities.
The police operation forms part of the continuing campaign of law enforcement agencies in Maguindanao del Sur against the possession and use of illegal firearms and illegal drugs, which authorities consider among the factors that can contribute to violence and other criminal activities in communities.
Despite the arrest of Mokalam, the original subject of the warrant, Haris Mato, remains at large, and authorities continue efforts to locate and apprehend him.
Police said the operation was also aimed at strengthening community security and protecting residents, particularly young people, from the harmful effects associated with illegal drugs and firearm-related violence.
PCOL Tabora likewise called on residents to cooperate with law enforcement authorities by reporting information that could help prevent the circulation of illegal firearms and prohibited drugs in their communities.
“Wakasan na natin ang karahasan at tigilan na ang pagsira sa buhay ng ating mga kababayan, lalo na ang ating mga kabataan,” Tabora said.
Authorities reiterated their appeal for residents to work with the police in maintaining peace and order and in helping build safer communities free from illegal drugs and unlawful firearms.
The arrested suspect and the confiscated items will undergo the appropriate legal and evidentiary procedures as authorities proceed with the filing of charges.