DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur — A 24-year-old tricycle driver was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday, May 5, after authorities recovered a firearm and a hand grenade during a targeted police operation in Barangay Dawis.
Operatives of the Digos City Police Station (CPS), led by Police Captain June Mar D. Pasobillo, carried out the operation at around 2:30 a.m. in Purok Talakitok, acting on information from a concerned citizen about a man allegedly carrying an illegal weapon. The team included personnel from the Webber India Patrollers and intelligence units, under the supervision of Police Lieutenant Colonel Norman L. Yparraguirre, Chief of Police.
The suspect, identified as Benladin, a resident of Purok Conte, Barangay Tres De Mayo, was intercepted while driving a yellow tricycle bearing body number I-4705.
Police said a search of the suspect’s possession yielded a caliber .38 revolver loaded with five live rounds of ammunition, a hand grenade, a sling bag, a mobile phone, and a notebook. The tricycle he was driving was also taken into custody as part of the investigation.
Authorities noted that the operation was based on actionable intelligence, underscoring the role of community reporting in preventing potential threats to public safety. All seized items were properly documented and are now under police custody for further examination and disposition.
The suspect was informed of his constitutional rights, including protections under the Anti-Torture Act, in a language he understood. Police emphasized that standard operational procedures were strictly followed throughout the conduct of the arrest.
Benladin is currently detained at the Digos City Police Station while charges are being prepared for inquest proceedings. He is expected to face violations of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, along with other possible charges related to the possession of explosives.
In a statement, Yparraguirre said the operation reflects the police force’s sustained efforts to curb the spread of loose firearms and explosives in the community.
“This successful operation highlights our continued commitment to ensuring public safety and addressing the proliferation of loose firearms and explosives,” he said. “We encourage the public to remain vigilant and actively support our law enforcement efforts by reporting suspicious activities.”
The incident adds to ongoing law enforcement campaigns in Davao del Sur aimed at preventing criminality and ensuring community safety through intelligence-driven operations.