A man was arrested after allegedly causing a disturbance while carrying a firearm in Barangay Poblacion, Malapatan, Sarangani Province, on the afternoon of November 9, 2026, resulting in the recovery of two handguns and several rounds of live ammunition.
The Malapatan Municipal Police Station (MPS) identified the arrested individual only by the alias “Heart,” a resident of Sitio Lam Alkek, Barangay Poblacion. Police said the arrest stemmed from a report received at around 1:30 p.m. regarding an individual allegedly creating a disturbance in Sitio Upper Malyang and reportedly armed with a firearm.
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Responding police personnel, supported by intelligence operatives from the Malapatan MPS, Regional Intelligence Unit 12, 1st Sarangani Provincial Mobile Force Company, and Sarangani Maritime Police Station (MARSPTA), immediately proceeded to the area to verify the report and address the reported disturbance.
Upon reaching the location, the operating personnel reportedly encountered the suspect confronting individuals in the area and shouting provocative statements. Police said he was allegedly holding a .45-caliber pistol when they approached him.
Authorities instructed the man to put down the firearm, an order he reportedly followed without resistance. He subsequently surrendered peacefully to the responding personnel, allowing the operation to conclude without a reported armed confrontation.
A search and subsequent recovery operation resulted in the confiscation of two firearms: one .45-caliber pistol and one .380-caliber pistol. Authorities also recovered one magazine for the .380-caliber firearm, three live rounds of ammunition for the .45-caliber pistol, and four live rounds for the .380-caliber pistol.
The recovered weapons and ammunition are now subject to police documentation and investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding their possession and determine whether the required licenses and authorizations were in place.
Police said the arrested individual was informed of his constitutional rights, including the protections provided under Republic Act No. 9745, or the Anti-Torture Act of 2009, before he and the recovered items were brought to Malapatan MPS for documentation, investigation, and appropriate legal disposition.
The reported offenses include Alarm and Scandal and alleged violations of Sections 28(a) and 28(g) of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. The specific applicability of the firearms-related charges will be subject to the findings of the investigation and the determination of the appropriate authorities.
Police Regional Office 12 Regional Director PBGEN Alan B. Manibog emphasized the importance of prompt police response and public cooperation in preventing disturbances from escalating into more serious incidents.
“Patuloy nating titiyakin ang maagap na pagtugon sa mga ulat ng kaguluhan at iba pang insidente sa ating mga komunidad. Mahalaga ang pakikipagtulungan ng publiko sa ating mga kapulisan upang agad na maaksyunan ang mga sitwasyon at mapanatili ang kaayusan, habang sinisiguro ang pagsunod sa batas at paggalang sa karapatan ng bawat indibidwal,” Manibog said.
The incident underscores the importance of timely reporting and coordinated law enforcement response, particularly in situations involving individuals reportedly carrying firearms in populated communities.
Authorities have yet to disclose further details about the circumstances that led to the reported confrontation. The arrested individual remains subject to the appropriate legal proceedings, and the allegations against him have yet to be established in court.