A coordinated law enforcement operation by the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police (PNP) resulted in the arrest of a shooting suspect and the recovery of a high-powered firearm in Barangay Pang, Kalingalan Caluang, Sulu, on November 3, 2026, as authorities intensified efforts to prevent armed violence and preserve peace in the province.
The operation was conducted by personnel of the Army’s 21st Infantry Battalion, in coordination with the Kalingalan Caluang Municipal Police Station, with the support of local government officials and community members. The apprehension followed a shooting incident reported in Sitio Lumbaan, Barangay Pang, which authorities linked to an alleged family-related dispute.
Lt. Col. Ronald A. Borras, commanding officer of the 21st Infantry “Invincible” Battalion under the 1102th Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, said the suspect, identified only by the alias “Udak,” allegedly fired an M14 rifle at a residence following the dispute.
Acting on information provided by concerned residents, government security personnel coordinated with local authorities and proceeded with a Law Enforcement Support Operation (LESO) to locate and apprehend the suspect.
The joint operating team successfully arrested Udak at his residence, with members of his family reportedly extending cooperation and assistance during the operation.
Authorities recovered one M14 rifle, two short magazines, 11 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, one bandolier, and 10 empty cartridge cases. No casualties or collateral damage were reported during the operation.
Following his arrest, the suspect and the recovered firearm were turned over to the Kalingalan Caluang Municipal Police Station for documentation, proper custody, and the filing of appropriate charges.
Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, commander of the 1102th Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, underscored the importance of sustained law enforcement operations in protecting the peace and security gains achieved in Sulu.
He said maintaining stability in the province requires consistent enforcement of the law, close coordination among security forces and local government units, and the active involvement of communities.
Delos Santos also emphasized that cooperation between residents and authorities is essential in addressing security threats before isolated incidents develop into larger armed confrontations.
The operation highlights the continuing efforts of the military, police, local government, and communities to address armed violence, strengthen public confidence in law enforcement, and protect the relative peace established in Sulu.
Beyond the arrest and firearm recovery, the operation also demonstrates the importance of community cooperation in resolving security concerns through established legal processes rather than allowing personal disputes to escalate into broader violence.