Authorities arrested a 44-year-old farmer and confiscated several high-powered firearms, ammunition, and firearm components during a joint law enforcement operation in Sultan Naga Dimaporo early Saturday morning, May 9.
The operation, conducted at around 6:12 a.m., stemmed from the implementation of Search Warrant No. 21-923 for violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Operatives from the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), in coordination with the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (2nd PMFC), Regional Intelligence Unit-10 (RIU-10), Regional Special Operations Unit-10 (RSOU-10), Kapatagan Municipal Police Station, Sultan Naga Dimaporo Municipal Police Station, RDT RIDMD, and the 51st Mechanized Company jointly carried out the operation.
The search warrant was issued by Judge Jihan Gift C. Gonzaga-Morong of the Regional Trial Court Branch 21 in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte.
Arrested during the raid was a suspect identified only by his alias “Nan,” a resident of Purok 5 in Barangay Ramain, Sultan Naga Dimaporo.
Authorities recovered an assortment of firearms and ammunition from the suspect’s possession, including a caliber .22 rifle without serial number, a TAG-15 rifle chambered in 5.56mm bearing serial number 00254, an improvised M14 sniper rifle without serial number, a caliber .3516 revolver, and a caliber .357 revolver.
Also confiscated were dozens of live ammunition of various calibers, including 5.56mm, 7.62mm, .357, and .22 rounds, as well as firearm accessories and components such as steel magazines for caliber .45 pistols, a caliber .45 barrel, and a gun cleaning kit.
Police said the seized firearms and ammunition are now under the custody of the Kapatagan Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and disposition.
Charges for violation of Republic Act No. 10591 are currently being prepared for inquest filing against the suspect.
Leo de Leon Sua, Provincial Director of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office, commended the operating units for the successful operation and emphasized the importance of sustained coordination among security forces.
“The successful implementation of this search warrant reflects the strong coordination among law enforcement units in our continuing campaign against loose firearms and other threats to public safety. We remain committed to intensifying operations aimed at maintaining peace and order in our communities,” Sua said.
The operation forms part of the intensified campaign of law enforcement agencies against illegal firearms and criminality in Northern Mindanao.