CARMEN, Cotabato – Two armed men were arrested while another suspect remains the subject of an ongoing manhunt after an armed encounter with government forces led to the recovery of high-powered firearms, ammunition, and a fragmentation grenade in Sitio Kawilihan, Barangay Macabenban, Carmen, Cotabato on Friday morning, June 26.
The operation, conducted at around 10:30 a.m., was jointly carried out by personnel of the Carmen Municipal Police Station (MPS), the 2nd Cotabato Provincial Mobile Force Company (2nd CPMFC), and Charlie Company of the 40th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army following reports from a barangay official regarding unidentified armed men roaming the area carrying high-powered firearms.
According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., responding law enforcement personnel immediately proceeded to Sitio Kawilihan to validate the report and ensure the safety of nearby residents.
However, upon arriving at the location, the government troops were allegedly fired upon by the armed group, triggering a brief exchange of gunfire.
The suspects fled in different directions after the firefight, prompting an immediate pursuit operation. Authorities successfully arrested two of the armed men, while a third suspect managed to escape and remains the target of intensified hot pursuit operations.
Police identified the arrested individuals only as two male farmers, aged 39 and 43, both residents of Carmen, Cotabato. The remaining suspect, identified as a 38-year-old male farmer from the same municipality, continues to evade arrest.
No police officers or military personnel were injured during the encounter.
Cache of firearms and explosives recovered
Following the operation, authorities recovered a significant cache of weapons believed to have been carried by the suspects.
Recovered items included:
- Three M1 Garand caliber .30 rifles
- Three steel magazine clips
- Thirty live caliber .30 cartridges
- Nine spent caliber .30 cartridge cases
- One improvised shotgun
- Three steel magazines loaded with eight live shotgun shells
- One fragmentation hand grenade
The confiscated firearms will undergo ballistic and cross-matching examinations at the Provincial Forensic Unit in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat to determine whether they were used in previous crimes.
Meanwhile, the fragmentation grenade will be turned over to the Provincial Explosive and Canine Unit (PECU) for proper handling and disposition.
Criminal charges being prepared
The arrested suspects are now under police custody as authorities prepare criminal complaints through inquest proceedings for violations of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and Republic Act No. 9516, which penalizes the illegal possession of explosives.
Law enforcement units continue follow-up operations to locate and arrest the remaining suspect.
Community information credited for successful operation
Cotabato Police Provincial Director Police Colonel Ramel B. Hojilla credited the swift response of the joint police and military units, as well as the cooperation of the local community, for the successful outcome of the operation.
“Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating operasyon laban sa mga iligal na armas at mga armadong grupo. Sa pamamagitan ng mabilis na pagtugon at pakikipagtulungan ng komunidad, mas mapapalakas natin ang kapayapaan at seguridad sa lalawigan,” Hojilla said.
The Carmen Municipal Police Station likewise commended the strong coordination between the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and concerned residents, emphasizing that timely information from a barangay official enabled authorities to act immediately before the armed group’s presence could pose a greater threat to the community.
PNP vows intensified crackdown
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the operation demonstrates the police organization’s continuing commitment to eliminating illegal firearms and preventing violence through proactive law enforcement and strong community partnerships.
“The recovery of these firearms and the arrest of armed suspects underscore our determination to prevent violence before it escalates. We will relentlessly pursue those who endanger our communities and ensure they face the full force of the law,” Nartatez said.
He also encouraged the public to continue supporting authorities by reporting suspicious individuals and activities.
“Hinihikayat namin ang publiko na patuloy na makiisa at magbigay ng impormasyon. Ang inyong pakikipagtulungan ay mahalaga upang agad matugunan ang mga banta sa ating mga komunidad,” he added.
Police said the operation reflects the PNP’s Focused Agenda, particularly its priorities of enhancing police operations and strengthening active community support, highlighting the vital role of public cooperation in maintaining peace and order across Cotabato Province.