LAMBAYONG, SULTAN KUDARAT — Two men were arrested after they were allegedly found carrying unlicensed firearms and other equipment during a military clearing operation in Barangay Sigayan, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat.
The suspects were identified only by their aliases Dan, an adult, and Sam, 35, both reportedly residents of Lambayong.
According to an initial military report, personnel of the 23rd Mechanized Infantry Company were conducting a clearing operation in the area following a reported armed encounter along the boundary of Maguindanao del Sur and Sultan Kudarat when they encountered the two men.
The soldiers reportedly saw the suspects carrying three long firearms. The two were subsequently apprehended after they allegedly failed to present the required documents authorizing their possession of the firearms.
Recovered during the operation were an Ultimax caliber 5.56 rifle, two homemade 7.62-millimeter rifles, magazines and ammunition, a bandolier, and a handheld radio.
The recovery of the firearms came as soldiers were conducting clearing activities in the area following the reported armed confrontation, although the circumstances surrounding the encounter and the alleged connection of the two men to the earlier incident remain subject to investigation.
The suspects and the recovered firearms and other items were turned over to the Lambayong Municipal Police Station for documentation, investigation and appropriate disposition.
Authorities are expected to determine the legal status and ownership of the recovered firearms and whether additional charges may be filed against the two men.
The suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. Any violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, will be determined through the appropriate legal proceedings.