Lanao del Norte, Philippines – January 23, 2025
Two individuals were apprehended during a checkpoint operation conducted by personnel of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) under the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (LDN PPO). The operation occurred at approximately 5:50 PM in Purok 1, Barangay Bansarvil 1, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte.
The suspects were identified as alias “Onto,” a 65-year-old farmer, and alias “Sapata,” a 20-year-old single male, both residents of Barangay Poblacion, Nunungan. The duo was riding a Yamaha XTZ motorcycle without a license plate when they hesitated to stop at the checkpoint, prompting officers to intervene and detain them.
Upon inspection, authorities observed a pistol grip protruding from a sling bag carried by alias “Sapata.” When asked for documentation authorizing possession of the firearm, the suspect failed to present any. Barangay officials were called to witness the seizure of the following items:
- One caliber .45 Norinco 1911 A1 pistol (serial no. 197883)
- Two caliber .45 steel magazines
- Seven caliber .45 live ammunitions
- One holster for a caliber .45 pistol
- One black sling bag
The suspects were informed of their constitutional rights in their native dialect before being brought to the Kapatagan Municipal Police Station for documentation and further investigation. The confiscated firearm is set to undergo ballistic examination.
PCOL Roy A. Magsalay, Provincial Director of LDN PPO, lauded the swift and efficient actions of the 2nd PMFC personnel. “This operation underscores our commitment to ensuring public safety and enforcing the law. The LDN PPO will continue its proactive measures to prevent criminal activities in the province,” he said.
The Lanao del Norte PPO reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining peace and order and assured the public of its intensified efforts to safeguard the community.