LAMITAN CITY, Basilan — A police operation in Barangay Balagtasan, Lamitan City, on August 14 resulted in the arrest of a man identified by authorities only through the alias “Lary” and the recovery of suspected illegal drugs, a firearm, ammunition, a fragmentation grenade and other items, according to the Basilan Police Provincial Office (BPPO).
The operation was carried out through the implementation of Search Warrant No. 004-2026, with the BPPO under the leadership of PCOL Edison A. Dumangas, OIC of the Basilan Police Provincial Office, coordinating with the PRO BAR Regional Intelligence Division, Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF), Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14B, Provincial Mobile Force Companies, Maritime Police Station, Anti-Kidnapping Group–Mindanao Field Unit, and Lamitan City Police Station.
Police said the operation led to the recovery of a KG9 9mm firearm, a MK2 fragmentation grenade, ammunition and firearm accessories. Authorities also reported recovering approximately 15 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated value of ₱102,000, along with ₱10,000 in cash, digital weighing scales and various items described as drug paraphernalia.
The seizure of the suspected shabu and drug-related items formed part of the evidence presented by authorities in connection with the operation. The recovered firearm and grenade, meanwhile, are also expected to form part of the investigation into the respondent’s alleged violations of laws governing firearms and explosives.
Following the operation, the arrested respondent underwent inquest proceedings before the Lamitan City Prosecutor’s Office on August 14.
Authorities said the respondent is facing allegations involving violations of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition; Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002; Republic Act No. 9516, which covers the unlawful manufacture, sale, acquisition or possession of explosives and incendiary devices; and the COMELEC Gun Ban.
The police operation comes amid continuing law-enforcement efforts in Basilan to address the presence of illegal drugs, unregistered or illegally possessed firearms, and explosives. The combination of suspected shabu, a firearm and a fragmentation grenade recovered during the operation highlights the range of concerns being addressed by authorities in their ongoing security and anti-criminality campaign.
The BPPO emphasized that the operation was conducted in accordance with established procedures and that the constitutional rights of the arrested individual were observed throughout the process.
The allegations against “Lary” will remain subject to the appropriate legal proceedings, and the respondent is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The Basilan police said it will continue its operations against illegal drugs, loose firearms and explosives, while stressing that enforcement actions must be carried out through lawful, accountable and rights-respecting procedures.