SULTAN KUDARAT, Philippines — Police authorities arrested two individuals and seized suspected illegal drugs, two caliber .45 pistols, ammunition and drug paraphernalia during separate search warrant operations in Sultan Kudarat on August 23, 2026, as law enforcement agencies intensified efforts against illegal firearms and the drug trade in the province.
The operations, carried out in President Quirino and Isulan, involved personnel from the Police Regional Office 12, local police units, the Cotabato Police Provincial Office’s Provincial Intelligence Unit and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
The first operation was conducted at about 4:56 a.m. in Barangay Estrella, President Quirino, where police arrested a 31-year-old man identified by the alias “Ferdy.”
Police identified Ferdy as a supervisor of J&T and a resident of the area. He was arrested during the implementation of a search warrant for an alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition.
Joint personnel of the Arakan Municipal Police Station and the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Cotabato Police Provincial Office recovered a Colt 1911A1 U.S. Army caliber .45 pistol, along with one steel magazine and two rounds of live caliber .45 ammunition.
Authorities said the firearm and ammunition were taken into police custody for documentation and further investigation.
Second operation yields suspected shabu and unlicensed firearm
About two hours later, at approximately 7 a.m., another operation was carried out in Barangay Laguilayan, Isulan, resulting in the arrest of a 43-year-old farmer identified by the alias “Bodji.”
Personnel of the Isulan Municipal Police Station, together with agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, implemented two search warrants against Bodji for alleged violations of RA 10591 and Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The operation resulted in the recovery of five sachets of suspected shabu with a combined approximate weight of 6.453 grams.
Police placed the estimated standard drug price of the seized substance at ₱43,880.40.
Aside from the suspected illegal drugs, authorities also recovered a tooter, which is commonly used as drug paraphernalia, as well as a M1911A1 caliber .45 pistol without a serial number.
The firearm was accompanied by one magazine and six rounds of live caliber .45 ammunition. Police also recovered a holster, coin purse and backpack during the search.
The seizure of a firearm without a serial number is particularly significant because authorities are continuing to target the possession and circulation of undocumented or illegally acquired firearms, which can potentially be used in other criminal activities.
Police intensify campaign against drugs and illegal firearms
The two operations underscore the continuing campaign of the Police Regional Office 12 against the proliferation of illegal drugs and unlawful possession of firearms across the region.
Police authorities have repeatedly emphasized that illegal drugs and unregistered or illegally possessed firearms pose serious threats to public safety, particularly when firearms are potentially placed in the hands of individuals involved in criminal activities.
PBGEN Alan B. Manibog, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 12, said authorities would continue to intensify operations against illegal drugs and other violations of the law.
“Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating operasyon laban sa ilegal na droga at iba pang paglabag sa batas. Hindi tayo titigil sa paghahanap at pagpapanagot sa mga sangkot sa mga gawaing ito. Ang bawat baril at ilegal na droga na ating nakukumpiska ay isang hakbang tungo sa mas ligtas na komunidad,” Manibog said.
The police regional office said the operations form part of sustained law enforcement efforts to prevent illegal drugs and firearms from reaching communities and being used in criminal activities.
The two suspects, along with all confiscated firearms, ammunition, suspected illegal drugs and other items, were brought to the respective police stations for proper documentation and disposition.
The seized suspected shabu will undergo the required examination and processing, while the confiscated firearms and ammunition will be subjected to appropriate verification and investigation.
Both suspects will face the appropriate legal proceedings for the alleged violations of the firearms and dangerous drugs laws, subject to the findings of investigators and the prosecution process.