SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao del Sur — Two men were arrested after police and military personnel discovered two pistols inside a white Nissan Navara during a checkpoint operation in Barangay Poblacion, Shariff Aguak, on the evening of October 20, 2026.
The suspects were apprehended at approximately 8:05 p.m. after personnel manning the checkpoint spotted the firearms beside the driver and passenger during an initial visual inspection of the vehicle, according to the police operation report.
The checkpoint operation was led by the Shariff Aguak Municipal Police Station (MPS) under PMAJ Joel S. Lebrilla, with support from the 1st Maneuver Platoon of the Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) operatives, the Philippine Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion, and the PNP Special Action Force’s 43rd Special Action Battalion.
Authorities said a white Nissan Navara bearing plate number LAN 5866 approached the checkpoint, prompting police personnel to signal the driver to slow down, switch on the vehicle’s interior lights, and roll down the window.
During the inspection, the personnel noticed two pistols in plain view, one positioned beside the driver and the other beside the passenger.
When asked to present the required documents authorizing the possession of the firearms, the two occupants allegedly failed to produce any. They were subsequently apprehended and informed of their constitutional rights in accordance with the Miranda Doctrine before being brought to the Shariff Aguak MPS for documentation and further legal proceedings.
Two pistols, ammunition recovered
The authorities recovered a 9mm Armscor pistol bearing serial number KAR02132, loaded with five live rounds and accompanied by one magazine.
A Norinco .45-caliber pistol bearing serial number 1000770 was also recovered. The serial number remains subject to verification. The firearm was loaded with five live rounds and had one magazine.
The white Nissan Navara, bearing plate number LAN 5866, was also taken into police custody in connection with the incident.
The recovered firearms, ammunition, magazines, and vehicle were brought to the Shariff Aguak MPS for inventory, documentation, and safekeeping. Authorities said the items would be preserved as evidence while investigators verify the firearms’ serial numbers and determine their legal status.
Charges to be pursued
Police said appropriate charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, will be filed in accordance with existing laws and procedures.
The investigation will include verification of the recovered firearms and the circumstances surrounding their possession.
The arrest does not, by itself, establish the suspects’ guilt. Their identities and the specific circumstances of their alleged possession of the firearms were not provided in the available police report.
The case remains subject to the appropriate legal process, including the determination of whether the firearms were lawfully registered and whether the occupants had the necessary licenses or permits.