COTABATO — Joint police and anti-drug operations across several municipalities in Cotabato on September 30, 2026 resulted in the arrest of three men and the recovery of suspected shabu, unlicensed firearms and ammunition, while another suspected drug offender remained at large, according to police.
The operations were carried out separately in Pikit, Kabacan and Carmen as authorities implemented search warrants in what police described as continuing efforts to curb illegal drugs and unlicensed firearms in the province.
In Barangay Poblacion, Pikit, joint elements of the Pikit Municipal Police Station, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and the Cotabato Police Provincial Office–Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (CPPO-PDEU) arrested a 20-year-old mechanic identified as alias “Japjap” at about 10:07 a.m.
Police identified Japjap as a resident of the area and said he was being investigated for alleged violations of 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.
A search of his residence reportedly resulted in the recovery of one homemade caliber .45 pistol without a serial number and nine small sachets containing suspected shabu, with a combined estimated gross weight of 0.72 gram.
The seized items were brought to the police office for documentation and proper disposition. Authorities said the implemented search warrants would be returned to the issuing court, while appropriate charges under RA 9165 and RA 10591 were being prepared against the suspect.
Nearly 20 grams of suspected shabu recovered in Kabacan
Earlier that morning, at about 6:50 a.m., another search-warrant operation in Purok Krislam, Barangay Dagupan, Kabacan resulted in the recovery of approximately 20 grams of suspected shabu, which police placed at an estimated Standard Drug Price of ₱136,000, along with three live .45-caliber ammunition.
The operation was conducted by personnel of the Kabacan Municipal Police Station, supported by the 1st and 2nd Cotabato Provincial Mobile Force Companies (CPMFC).
Police said the search warrant was issued in connection with an alleged violation of RA 10591 and was served against alias “Justine,” whom authorities identified as a street-level individual (SLI) listed by PDEA 12.
Justine was not arrested during the operation and remains at large, police said.
Authorities recovered three large and two medium-sized sachets containing suspected shabu, with an approximate combined weight of 20 grams, as well as three live .45-caliber ammunition.
The recovered evidence is set to be submitted to the Provincial Forensic Unit in Kidapawan City for chemistry and ballistics examinations. Police said follow-up operations are continuing in an effort to locate and apprehend the suspect.
Police Regional Office 12 Director PBGen Alan B. Manibog said authorities would continue pursuing suspects in illegal drug cases.
“Hahanapin at pananagutin natin ang suspek sa ilalim ng batas. Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating operasyon laban sa ilegal na droga upang mapanatili ang kaligtasan at seguridad ng ating mga komunidad,” Manibog said.
47-year-old man arrested with firearm and suspected shabu
At about 6:05 a.m., also in Barangay Dagupan, Kabacan, police arrested another man identified as alias “Jake,” 47, married, unemployed and a resident of the area, following the implementation of a search warrant for an alleged violation of RA 10591.
Personnel of the Kabacan MPS, together with the 1st and 2nd CPMFC, CPPO-Provincial Intelligence Unit and Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, served the warrant.
Recovered from the suspect were one caliber .357 revolver without a serial number, eight live ammunition, and five sachets containing suspected shabu weighing approximately 12.1 grams.
Police estimated the suspected drugs to have a standard drug value of ₱82,280.
Jake was informed of his constitutional rights in a language he understood and was brought to USM Hospital for medical examination.
The seized firearms, ammunition and suspected drugs are to be submitted to the PNP Forensic Unit in Kidapawan City for examination. Police said cases for alleged violations of RA 9165 and RA 10591 were being prepared for filing through inquest proceedings.
Farmer arrested in Carmen
In Barangay General Luna, Carmen, a 55-year-old farmer identified as alias “Jovan” was arrested after a search warrant was implemented at about 1:41 a.m.
The operation was led by the Carmen Municipal Police Station, with support from the 1st Cotabato Provincial Mobile Force Company and the CPPO-Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit.
Police said they recovered one caliber .45 Colt MKIV Series 80 pistol, one magazine loaded with three live ammunition, a holster, and three sachets containing suspected shabu.
The suspected drugs had an estimated combined weight of 0.5 gram and an estimated value of ₱3,500, according to authorities.
During the operation, Jovan reportedly collapsed after experiencing high blood pressure and was immediately taken to Carmen Hospital for medical treatment. He was later informed of his constitutional rights and brought to the Carmen MPS for proper disposition.
The confiscated items are expected to undergo drug and ballistic examinations. Authorities said appropriate cases for alleged violations of RA 10591 and RA 9165 would be referred to the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office for inquest proceedings.
Police pursue drug and firearms cases
Taken together, the four operations resulted in the arrest of three suspects, the identification of another suspect who remained at large, and the recovery of more than 33 grams of suspected shabu based on the individual police reports, aside from firearms, ammunition and related evidence.
The reported drug quantities and values remain subject to laboratory examination and official confirmation. Likewise, the suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The operations underscore the continued joint enforcement efforts of local police units, the PDEA and provincial police units against alleged violations of the country’s drug and firearms laws.
Authorities said the recovered suspected drugs and firearms would undergo the appropriate forensic examinations, while cases against the arrested suspects were being processed in accordance with law.