TRENT0, Agusan del Sur — A joint police operation in Barangay Pulang-Lupa, Trento, Agusan del Sur, led to the arrest of a man identified only by his alias “Bobby” for alleged illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives, while authorities also recovered suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, with an estimated street value of ₱204,000.
The operation was carried out on September 4, 2026, by personnel of the 1st Special Action Battalion (1SAB) of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (SAF), who provided tactical support to the Regional Intelligence Division 13 during the implementation of search warrants against the suspect.
Police said the operation was conducted pursuant to Search Warrants Nos. 2026-11 and 2026-12, issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 55 of the 10th Judicial Region in Trento and dated August 26, 2026.
The warrants were issued in connection with alleged violations of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and Republic Act No. 9516, which penalizes the illegal or unlawful possession, manufacture, dealing in, acquisition or disposition of firearms, ammunition and explosives.
During the search, authorities reportedly seized two .45-caliber pistols, along with two magazines and five rounds of ammunition.
A hand grenade was also recovered, together with a black holster, adding an explosive component to the cache of items allegedly under the suspect’s possession.
The operation also yielded 11 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed by authorities to be methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu.
The suspected illegal drugs reportedly weighed approximately 30 grams, with authorities placing their estimated value at ₱204,000, based on the Dangerous Drugs Board valuation cited in the report.
The simultaneous recovery of firearms, ammunition, an explosive device and suspected illegal drugs has placed the operation among the latest law-enforcement actions in Agusan del Sur targeting the possession and circulation of items that authorities consider a threat to public safety.
Following the operation, the arrested suspect and the seized items were turned over to the Trento Municipal Police Station (MPS) of the Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office for documentation, inventory and proper disposition.
Police authorities are expected to undertake the appropriate legal procedures involving the seized firearms, ammunition, explosive and suspected dangerous drugs, while the evidence will be subjected to the required examination and documentation.
The arrest underscores the continuing efforts of police intelligence and tactical units in the region to locate individuals allegedly possessing unlicensed firearms and explosives, particularly as authorities intensify operations against illegal weapons and dangerous drugs.
The presence of firearms and a grenade alongside suspected shabu also highlights the potential risks associated with the illegal possession and movement of such items, prompting law-enforcement agencies to pursue intelligence-driven operations and the implementation of court-issued search warrants.
Authorities, however, emphasized that the seized substance remains suspected shabu unless and until confirmed through proper laboratory examination. Likewise, the allegations against the arrested suspect remain subject to the legal process, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The successful operation reflects the Philippine National Police’s continuing campaign against illegal firearms, explosives and dangerous drugs, with authorities vowing to pursue individuals allegedly involved in the unlawful possession, distribution or movement of these prohibited items.