A man allegedly involved in gunrunning was arrested and two unlicensed M4A1 carbines were confiscated during a joint law enforcement operation in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur on August 10, 2026, according to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
The operation was conducted at around 5 p.m. in Barangay Salbo by personnel of the CIDG Cotabato City Field Unit and CIDG Maguindanao Provincial Field Unit, in coordination with the 42nd Special Action Company of the PNP Special Action Force, Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, and the Datu Saudi Ampatuan Municipal Police Station.
According to a report submitted to CIDG Director Police Major General Robert AA Morico II, the operation targeted alleged violations of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and Batas Pambansa Bilang 881, or the Omnibus Election Code.
Authorities said the suspect was allegedly caught while delivering and attempting to sell two M4A1 carbines without the required permits and licenses to own, possess, or trade the firearms. The two weapons were also reportedly unregistered.
The CIDG identified the suspect as a person allegedly involved in gunrunning activities in the province. However, the allegation remains subject to the appropriate investigation and legal proceedings, and the suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The firearms were taken into police custody as evidence for the filing of appropriate charges under the applicable laws.
Part of Election Gun Ban Enforcement
The operation also forms part of law enforcement efforts to enforce the election gun ban in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), particularly by disrupting the alleged supply and movement of unlicensed firearms.
The CIDG said the seizure is significant to local security efforts because illegal firearms could potentially be used in criminal activities or to undermine the peaceful conduct of elections.
With the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections approaching, authorities have been intensifying efforts to prevent the circulation of unauthorized firearms that could pose security risks during the electoral period.
The CIDG emphasized that its campaign against illegal firearms is aimed at removing unlicensed weapons from circulation and preventing their potential use in crimes and acts of violence.
The agency also credited the joint operating teams for what it described as a coordinated operation.
CIDG leadership commended Police Lieutenant Colonel Eugene A. Balugo, Officer-in-Charge of CIDG Regional Field Unit 15; the CIDG Cotabato City Field Unit led by Police Captain Lyndon G. Mondragon; the CIDG Maguindanao Provincial Field Unit under Police Captain Earl F. Baranda; and the other participating PNP units.
The CIDG said the operation demonstrates its continued efforts to confiscate unlicensed firearms and pursue individuals allegedly engaged in gunrunning and gun-for-hire activities.
Authorities are expected to proceed with the documentation and processing of the seized firearms and the filing of charges against the arrested suspect based on the evidence gathered during the operation.