LAMITAN CITY, Basilan — Joint operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Basilan and the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR) seized high-powered firearms, ammunition, and unregulated electronic cigarettes during a law enforcement operation in Barangay Balas on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
The operation, carried out through the implementation of a court-issued search warrant, led to the arrest of a 39-year-old businessman identified as Omar A. Jammang, a resident of the area. Authorities said the raid was part of intensified efforts to curb the proliferation of loose firearms and illegal trade in the Bangsamoro region.
High-Caliber Weapons Recovered
Recovered from the suspect’s residence were:
- One (1) 5.56mm M16 M4-type Bushmaster rifle (Serial No. MOD-XM15-E25)
- One (1) .22 Magnum Black Widow revolver with defaced serial number
- Six (6) steel magazines for 5.56mm caliber
- One (1) steel magazine for .45 caliber
- One hundred thirty-one (131) live rounds of 5.56mm ammunition
Authorities said the presence of high-powered weapons in a residential area posed a serious threat to public safety and community peace.
In addition to the firearms, operatives also confiscated four boxes of disposable electronic vapes, including Kaizer Clear Battery E-Cigarettes and Kaizer Clear Prefilled Pods, valued at an estimated ₱200,000. Investigators noted that the suspect had no legal permit to sell or distribute the products.
Coordinated Multi-Unit Operation
The operation was conducted under OPLAN Paglalansag Omega and OPLAN Megashopper and was authorized through Pre-Operational Clearance RFU9-02-2026-066 and GOC Control No. 02-06-058252.
Search Warrant No. 01-2026, issued on February 2, 2026, by Executive Judge Leo Jay T. Principe of the Regional Trial Court Branch 1 in Isabela City, Basilan, served as the legal basis for the raid. The warrant was issued for violations of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The search began at 6:05 a.m. and concluded at around 10:00 a.m., with the suspect and seized items brought to the CIDG Basilan Provincial Field Unit office by 10:45 a.m.
Participating units included CIDG Basilan PFU (lead unit), RIAT-CTU BARMM, Lamitan City Police Station, PNP-SAF units, Regional Mobile Force Battalion, and Special Forces Company, among others.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Jammang was informed of his constitutional rights in a dialect he fully understood, authorities said. He is set to face charges for violations of:
- Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act)
- Republic Act 11900 (Graphic Health Warnings Act and Regulation of Tobacco and Vape Products)
Investigators disclosed that the suspect allegedly used the illegal firearms to intimidate residents, negatively affecting peace and order in the community.
Transparent and Lawful Enforcement
Police said the operation was conducted in an orderly and professional manner, with no unnecessary force used. Barangay officials and a media representative were present during the search, while body-worn cameras and recording devices were utilized in compliance with Supreme Court rules on police operations.
PBGen. Jaysen C. De Guzman, Regional Director of PRO BAR, commended the operating units for their successful coordination and disciplined execution of the mission.
He reiterated the police force’s commitment to sustaining aggressive yet lawful operations against illegal firearms, smuggling, and other criminal activities.
“This operation reflects our firm resolve to protect communities from armed threats and illegal trade. We will continue to strengthen our efforts to ensure peace, safety, and stability in the Bangsamoro region,” De Guzman said.
Strengthening Public Safety in Basilan
The successful operation highlights the continuing campaign of law enforcement agencies against loose firearms and unregulated products in Basilan, an area long challenged by security concerns.
Authorities urged the public to cooperate with police by reporting suspicious activities and illegal possession of firearms, stressing that community support remains vital in sustaining peace and order across the province.