GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Authorities arrested a suspected drug personality and confiscated illegal drugs, a firearm, ammunition, and a hand grenade during the implementation of a search warrant in Barangay Labangal on Saturday morning, July 11, reinforcing the intensified campaign against illegal drugs and loose firearms in Region 12.
The operation was carried out at around 10:26 a.m. by personnel of Police Station 2 of the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO) under the leadership of Police Major Ari Noel H. Cardos. The team was backed by operatives from the City Intelligence Unit (CIU-GSCPO), City Mobile Force Company-SWAT (CMFC), Regional Intelligence Division 12 (RID 12), Regional Intelligence Unit 12 (RIU 12), and the 1201st Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB 12).
Authorities implemented Search Warrant No. 26-85 at Purok Acharaon, Barangay Labangal, targeting a suspect identified only by the alias “Boyax” for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
During the search, law enforcement officers recovered approximately 17 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of ₱115,600, along with one .38 caliber revolver, one MK2 fragmentation grenade, three rounds of 9mm ammunition, and one round of .22 caliber ammunition.
The suspect was immediately taken into custody and informed of his constitutional rights in accordance with established police procedures.
Police said all recovered evidence was properly marked, inventoried, and documented in the presence of the required witnesses to ensure compliance with legal protocols. Meanwhile, the recovered fragmentation grenade was safely secured and turned over to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit for proper handling and disposal.
The implementation of the search warrant was reportedly still ongoing when the initial report was released.
Intensified Campaign Against Crime
The successful operation forms part of the General Santos City Police Office’s “Safe Community Watch” initiative under the BANGON GENSAN: Pulis at Pamayanan, Kaagapay sa Pagbangon ng GenSan program, which aims to strengthen police-community partnerships while intensifying efforts against criminality.
Police Brigadier General Alan B. Manibog, Acting Regional Director of Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12), reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against illegal drugs and firearms.
“Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating kampanya laban sa ilegal na droga at iligal na armas. Walang puwang sa SOCCSKSARGEN ang mga lumalabag sa batas. Makakaasa ang publiko na mananatiling maagap at matatag ang PRO 12 sa pagpapanatili ng kapayapaan at kaayusan,” Manibog said.
Authorities emphasized that the operation demonstrates the Philippine National Police’s continuing commitment to professional, responsive, and service-oriented law enforcement while ensuring the safety and security of communities across General Santos City and the SOCCSKSARGEN Region.
The suspect is expected to face charges for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and other applicable laws related to the possession of explosives.