KABACAN, Cotabato — A 43-year-old woman was arrested during a police search warrant operation in Barangay Kayaga, Kabacan, Cotabato on Thursday, June 19, after authorities recovered an unlicensed firearm and suspected illegal drugs worth approximately ₱136,000 from her residence.
The operation was conducted at Sitio Lote, Barangay Kayaga by personnel of the Kabacan Municipal Police Station in coordination with the 1st and 2nd Cotabato Provincial Mobile Force Companies (CPMFC) and the Cotabato Police Provincial Office–Provincial Intelligence Detection and Management Unit (CPPO-PIDMU).
Authorities identified the suspect as a 43-year-old widow and vendor residing in the area. The operation was carried out by virtue of a search warrant issued for violation of Republic Act No. 10591, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
During the implementation of the warrant, law enforcement operatives discovered and confiscated one caliber .45 Colt pistol bearing serial number 584711, one steel magazine, and five live rounds of ammunition.
Aside from the firearm, police also recovered four large heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu. The seized illegal drugs had an estimated total weight of 20 grams and a standard drug value of approximately ₱136,000.
The successful operation highlights the continuing efforts of law enforcement agencies to curb the proliferation of loose firearms and illegal drugs in communities across Cotabato Province.
Police said all recovered evidence has been properly inventoried and documented and will be submitted to the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory for qualitative and quantitative examination to determine the exact nature and composition of the seized substances.
Authorities are now preparing appropriate criminal charges against the suspect for violations of Republic Act No. 10591 and Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The charges will be filed through inquest proceedings.
The arrested individual remains under police custody pending the filing of formal charges.
Officials reiterated their commitment to intensifying intelligence-driven operations against illegal firearms and drug-related activities, emphasizing that such efforts are crucial in maintaining peace, public safety, and order throughout Cotabato Province.