ALEOSAN, COTABATO — Joint law enforcement personnel arrested one suspect and recovered suspected shabu and an improvised firearm during the implementation of two search warrants in Barangay New Panay, Aleosan, Cotabato, on August 13, 2026.
The operations were carried out at approximately 6:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. against individuals identified by authorities only through the aliases “Ebing” and “Isol,” respectively. The search warrants were issued by the Regional Trial Court in Midsayap.
Authorities said the first operation resulted in the arrest of alias “Ebing” and the recovery of six sachets containing suspected shabu with an estimated combined weight of approximately 30 grams.
The suspected illegal drugs were placed at an estimated street value of ₱204,000, based on the authorities’ assessment.
During the second operation, conducted against alias “Isol,” law enforcement personnel recovered three sachets of suspected shabu weighing approximately 13.5638 grams, with an estimated value of ₱92,233.
Operatives also recovered an improvised 12-gauge pistol and three live rounds of ammunition during the search at the second location.
Authorities said alias “Isol” was not present during the operation and remains at large.
The seized items were reportedly inventoried in accordance with procedure and witnessed as required. The suspected shabu and other pieces of evidence are set to undergo laboratory examination to determine their nature and confirm the substances involved.
Police said appropriate criminal complaints are being prepared for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and/or Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, depending on the results of the investigation and examination of the recovered evidence.
The operations form part of the continuing law enforcement campaign against illegal drugs and unauthorized firearms in the region.
“Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating operasyon laban sa ilegal na droga at mga ipinagbabawal na armas. Ang mga ganitong operasyon ay mahalaga upang mapanatili ang kapayapaan at kaligtasan ng ating mga komunidad at mapanagot ang mga lumalabag sa batas,” said PBGen Alan B. Manibog, Regional Director of the Police Regional Office 12.
Authorities emphasized that the recovered substances remain suspected shabu pending laboratory examination, while the filing of cases will proceed based on the evidence gathered during the operations.
The arrest of alias “Ebing” and the ongoing search for alias “Isol” are expected to form part of the continuing investigation into the alleged possession and distribution of illegal drugs and the possession of an unauthorized firearm and ammunition.