KABACAN, North Cotabato — A police operation targeting the alleged illegal sale of firearms in Kabacan, North Cotabato, erupted into a shootout on Monday morning, November 2, leaving one suspect wounded, another under arrest, and a third suspect still at large.
The operation was conducted along the National Highway in Barangay Kayaga, involving personnel of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Cotabato Field Unit, the Kabacan Municipal Police Station, and other police units.
According to initial information from investigators, the operation involved an undercover police officer who posed as a buyer in a transaction allegedly involving illegal firearms.
Authorities said the operation turned violent after the suspects reportedly became suspicious that they were dealing with law enforcement personnel. Police said one of the suspects attempted to flee and opened fire at the operatives, prompting the authorities to return fire.
One of the suspects, identified only by the alias “Datu,” 25, was wounded during the exchange of gunfire and was immediately taken to a hospital for medical treatment.
Another suspect, identified by police as alias “Allan,” was arrested during the operation. Both were described in initial reports as farmers and residents of Kabacan.
A third alleged accomplice managed to escape and remains the subject of a continuing police manhunt.
Police recovered several firearms and other pieces of evidence from the operation, including a 5.56-caliber rifle without a serial number, a caliber .45 pistol, ammunition, marked money amounting to ₱1,000, 99 pieces of boodle money, and a green Suzuki Wagon-R.
Investigators are also looking into information indicating that “Datu” allegedly has an existing warrant of arrest in connection with cases involving destructive arson, multiple attempted murder, and an alleged violation of Republic Act No. 11479, or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.
Authorities have yet to release further details regarding the status and circumstances surrounding the reported warrant.
The CIDG is preparing charges against those involved, including possible violations of Section 32 of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, which penalizes the unlawful acquisition, possession, and related offenses involving firearms and ammunition.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue efforts to identify, locate, and arrest the remaining suspect.
The identities of all individuals involved have not been fully disclosed by authorities, and the allegations against the suspects remain subject to the filing of formal charges and further judicial proceedings.