Lake Sebu, South Cotabato – Police authorities arrested two individuals for illegal possession and sale of unlicensed firearms during a buy-bust operation in Poblacion, Lake Sebu, on September 30, 2025.
The joint operation, led by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) 12 South Cotabato Provincial Field Unit with support from the Lake Sebu Municipal Police Station, was carried out at around 12:50 p.m. Acting under the leadership of Police Colonel Samuel T. Cadungon, Provincial Director of the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office (SCPPO), the team apprehended suspects identified as alias “Den-Den,” 18, and alias “Mike,” 40, both residents of Barangay Takunel, Lake Sebu.
Authorities said the suspects were caught in the act of selling and possessing unlicensed firearms in violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Recovered during the operation were one homemade FG9 Baby Armalite (black) with magazine, one genuine ₱1,000 bill with 49 pieces of boodle money used as buy-bust cash, and two android cellphones—an Infinix Smart 7HD and an Oppo 17.
The inventory of seized evidence was conducted on-site in the presence of a barangay official and properly documented using alternative recording devices, in compliance with Supreme Court guidelines under A.M. No. 21-06-08-SC. The suspects and confiscated items were brought to the CIDG 12 South Cotabato PFU for further documentation and disposition.
PCOL Cadungon commended the operatives for the successful operation, stressing the SCPPO’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal firearms and other criminal activities.
“This accomplishment reflects SCPPO’s unwavering commitment to protect our people. I commend CIDG 12 and Lake Sebu MPS for their dedication. Together, we will continue to fight illegal firearms and ensure a safer South Cotabato,” he said.
Authorities vowed to sustain intensified anti-criminality operations across the province to safeguard communities.