ISABELA CITY, Basilan — A 60-year-old carpenter was arrested after police recovered suspected illegal drugs and an unlicensed firearm during the implementation of a court-issued search warrant at his residence in Barangay Diki, Malamawi, Isabela City late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Manal Tawasil, also known by the alias “Bapah,” was taken into custody by operatives of the Isabela City Police Station following a two-hour operation conducted from 10:30 p.m. on June 5 until 12:30 a.m. on June 6, 2026.
The operation was led by Isabela City Police Chief PLTCOL Wilfredo P. Palamos Jr. and carried out pursuant to Search Warrant No. 03-2026, which was issued in connection with alleged violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Authorities said the operation was properly coordinated with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) under Coordination Control Number (COC) 10-00-06052026-008.
During the search of Tawasil’s residence in Purok 7, Barangay Diki, law enforcement officers recovered four sachets containing suspected shabu with an estimated weight of approximately five grams and a street value of ₱34,000.
Also seized were a caliber .45 pistol, a magazine loaded with three live rounds of ammunition, a black leather pouch, and cash amounting to ₱600 consisting of one ₱500 bill and one ₱100 bill.
Police said all recovered items were immediately marked, inventoried, and documented in accordance with established operational procedures. To ensure transparency and compliance with standard guidelines, the entire operation was recorded using two Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro mobile devices.
Authorities disclosed that Tawasil, a married resident of the barangay, was informed of his constitutional rights upon arrest before being brought to the Isabela City Police Station for booking and detention.
The confiscated suspected illegal drugs and other pieces of evidence are set to be turned over to the PNP Crime Laboratory of the Basilan Police Provincial Office under the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) for forensic examination and further processing.
Police said Tawasil is facing charges for violations of Republic Act 9165, particularly provisions related to the possession of dangerous drugs. Separate charges under Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, are also being prepared in connection with the seized firearm and ammunition.
The arrest forms part of the continuing anti-illegal drug campaign and law enforcement operations being conducted by local police authorities in Isabela City and the province of Basilan.
Authorities emphasized that while charges are being prepared against the suspect, he remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in a court of law.