MAKILALA, Cotabato – A High-Value Individual (HVI) was arrested while illegal drugs, firearms, ammunition, and an explosive device were seized during a joint law enforcement operation in Barangay Indangan, Makilala, Cotabato in the early hours of June 22, 2026.
The operation involved personnel from the Makilala Municipal Police Station led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Tristan Vergel Sabalada, in coordination with the Cotabato Police Provincial Office-Provincial Intelligence Unit (CPPO-PIU), CPPO-Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU), 1st Cotabato Provincial Mobile Force Company (CPMFC), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 12.
Authorities simultaneously implemented search warrants in Purok Lemonsito, Barangay Indangan, resulting in the arrest of a 53-year-old married farmer and resident of the area for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
During the operation, law enforcers recovered 15 sachets containing suspected shabu with an estimated total weight of approximately 10 grams and a Standard Drug Price valued at ₱60,800.
Police also confiscated several unlicensed firearms and ammunition, including a .357 Magnum revolver with ammunition, a .38 caliber revolver, a 12-gauge shotgun with corresponding ammunition, and one hand fragmentation grenade.
The inventory and marking of the seized evidence were conducted at the site of the operation in the presence of the arrested suspect and mandatory witnesses from the media and local government units, in compliance with legal procedures.
Authorities said the entire operation was documented through the use of Body-Worn Cameras (BWC) in accordance with A.M. No. 21-06-08-SC, ensuring transparency and accountability during the implementation of the search warrants.
The suspect was informed of his constitutional rights, subjected to a medical examination, and is currently under police custody while the preparation of appropriate criminal charges is underway.
The confiscated firearms, ammunition, explosive device, and suspected illegal drugs will be submitted to the appropriate forensic units for laboratory examination, ballistic testing, and proper disposition. The firearms and ammunition will also be presented before the issuing court as part of the legal process.
Cotabato Police Provincial Director, Police Colonel Ramel B. Hojilla, commended the operating units for the successful implementation of the search warrants and reiterated the Cotabato Police Provincial Office’s commitment to maintaining peace and public safety through intensified operations against illegal firearms, illegal drugs, and other threats to community security.
“The successful operation demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the Philippine National Police and its partner agencies in combating illegal drugs, loose firearms, and other criminal activities that endanger public safety,” police officials said.
Authorities emphasized that sustained law enforcement efforts remain crucial in ensuring safer and more secure communities across Cotabato Province.