MATALAM, Cotabato — Two men were arrested after authorities recovered illegal drugs, a firearm, and an explosive device during separate but closely timed police operations in Barangay Central Malamote, Matalam, Cotabato over the weekend, underscoring intensified law enforcement efforts against criminality in the area.
The first operation was carried out at around 3:20 a.m. after operatives of the Matalam Municipal Police Station (MPS) implemented a search warrant at the residence of a suspect identified as alias “Junjun,” tagged by police as a High-Value Individual (HVI) in illegal drug activities.
During the raid, authorities recovered approximately three grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of more than ₱20,000, along with an Armscor caliber .45 pistol. The search warrant was issued under the authority of RTC Branch 12 Executive Judge Jocelyn Alibang-Salud.
Barely an hour later, at around 4:15 a.m., police arrested another suspect, a 34-year-old man identified as alias “Hamer.” According to police reports, Hamer allegedly attempted to flee while the search was ongoing, carrying a hand grenade. Operatives quickly pursued and intercepted him, preventing a potentially deadly situation.
Aside from the explosive device, police also seized from Hamer an improvised tooter bearing traces of suspected shabu, further strengthening the case against him.
The operations were spearheaded by the Matalam MPS in coordination with the Cotabato Provincial Police Office–Provincial Police Drug Enforcement Unit (CPPO-PPDEU), Police Intelligence Unit (PIU), and the 45th Special Action Company of the PNP Special Action Force (SAF), under the Intensified Unified Anti-Criminality Program.
Both suspects are currently under police custody for documentation and inquest proceedings. They are set to face charges for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act 9165), as well as illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
Police authorities reiterated their commitment to sustain aggressive operations against illegal drugs and armed criminals, while calling on the public to remain vigilant and actively cooperate with law enforcement to help keep communities safe and secure.