PALIMBANG, SULTAN KUDARAT — Three alleged members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), including one identified as a high-value target, were arrested while two others managed to escape during a series of coordinated search warrant operations across three barangays in Palimbang early dawn of December 4, 2025.
The simultaneous raids, launched around 2:00 AM, were carried out by combined forces of RID 12, 44th Special Action Company, 4th Special Action Battalion, PNP SAF, RIU 12, RPDEU 12, RMFB 12, 2nd SKPMFC, and the Palimbang Municipal Police Station, under the overall supervision of Police Col. Maximo F. Sebastian Jr., chief of RID 12.
The operations were enforced using search warrants issued by the Regional Trial Court–Isulan for violations of RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act), RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms Law), RA 9516 (Explosives Law), and RA 12022 (Economic Sabotage).
Three MILF members nabbed in Barangay Malisbong
Authorities first stormed Sitio Pusaka in Barangay Malisbong, where they arrested:
- Hamsar Sacandal Culano alias “Bodin,” 39, farmer
- Rajamuda Culano alias “Noel,” 55, jobless
- Norhan Omar Culano alias “Gaho,” 41, farmer
All three are residents of Sitio Pusaka and were confirmed to be MILF members, with one tagged as a High Value Individual (HVI).
Recovered from the suspects were a total of 12 sachets of suspected shabu, including:
- From Noel: 5.4 grams (estimated value: ₱36,720)
- From Gaho: 8.4 grams (estimated value: ₱57,120)
- From Bodin: 5.6 grams (estimated value: ₱38,080)
Authorities also confiscated a cal. .45 pistol, a 9mm magazine with 12 live rounds, and a hand grenade found inside a gray sling bag.
Two suspects escape in follow-up raids
In Barangay Badiangon, police raided the home of Nasser G. Kusain of Sitio Mailum.
Kusain fled before operatives could enter, but police recovered four sachets of suspected shabu (approx. 6 grams worth ₱40,800).
Another suspect, Ali Lumanda Guiapal alias “Datu,” of Purok 2, Barangay Lopoken, also eluded arrest.
Inside his residence, police found four sachets of suspected shabu, a homemade cal. .22 pistol, a 9mm revolver with 3 live rounds, and a steel magazine for a cal. .45 pistol.
Total haul: ₱209,000 worth of shabu and illegal firearms
Across the three barangays, operatives seized approximately ₱209,000 worth of suspected shabu, along with multiple firearms, ammunition, and a grenade.
Charges to be filed
The three arrested MILF members are facing charges for violations of RA 9165 and RA 10591, while additional cases are being prepared for the two suspects who escaped.
All confiscated evidence and arrested individuals were brought to Palimbang MPS for documentation and proper disposition.