ALEOSAN, Cotabato — A coordinated law enforcement operation in Aleosan, Cotabato before dawn on Monday, June 29, resulted in the death of one armed suspect, the arrest of another, and the seizure of nearly ₱689,000 worth of suspected shabu, multiple firearms, and other evidence following the implementation of four search warrants.
Joint operatives from the Cotabato Police Provincial Office (CPPO), in coordination with the 42nd and 43rd Special Action Companies of the 4th Special Action Battalion under the Police Regional Office 12, along with other support units, simultaneously served four search warrants in Barangay New Panay targeting alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act No. 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
According to police, one of the suspects, identified only by the alias “Jonard,” allegedly opened fire at the operating team during the implementation of the warrants, triggering an armed encounter.
Law enforcement personnel responded with what authorities described as reasonable and necessary force, leaving the suspect wounded. He was immediately transported to the Aleosan District Hospital for emergency medical treatment but was declared dead on arrival by attending physicians.
Another suspect, known by the alias “Pipay,” was arrested during the operation after authorities allegedly recovered a caliber 9mm pistol from his possession. He is expected to face charges for illegal possession of firearms.
Meanwhile, three other suspects identified only through their aliases “Thompson,” “Bade,” and “Kiko” were not present in their respective residences when the search warrants were served. Police said they remain at large and will face criminal charges for alleged violations of the country’s anti-illegal drugs and firearms laws.
The coordinated operation yielded the recovery of 22 sachets containing approximately 105 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated Standard Drug Price of ₱688,932.48.
Authorities also confiscated five firearms consisting of four caliber .45 pistols and one caliber 9mm pistol, a Baofeng handheld radio, firearm magazines, live ammunition, spent cartridge cases, holsters, sling bags, and other pieces of evidence believed to be connected to the suspects’ alleged illegal activities.
Police said the recovered firearms and ammunition will be submitted to the Provincial Forensic Unit for ballistic examination to determine whether they were previously used in the commission of crimes.
The suspected illegal drugs, meanwhile, will undergo qualitative and quantitative laboratory examinations after being presented before the court that issued the search warrants.
Investigators are now preparing the appropriate criminal complaints against the responsible individuals for violations of Republic Act Nos. 9165 and 10591.
Cotabato Police Provincial Director PCOL Ramel B. Hojilla commended the operating personnel for the successful implementation of the simultaneous operations, describing the outcome as another significant accomplishment in the province’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs and loose firearms.
Hojilla also appealed to the public to continue supporting police initiatives by providing information that could help authorities combat criminality, emphasizing that strong cooperation between law enforcement agencies and local communities remains crucial in maintaining peace, public order, and safety throughout Cotabato Province.
The CPPO said the successful operation underscores the continuing collaboration among various Philippine National Police units in pursuing wanted individuals, dismantling illegal drug activities, and removing unlicensed firearms from communities.