COTABATO CITY – In a series of law enforcement operations, authorities in Cotabato City successfully apprehended multiple individuals involved in illegal firearms possession and high-profile criminal activities.
On March 1, 2025, a joint operation conducted by the Cotabato City Police Office (CCPO) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) led to the arrest of three individuals for illegal possession of firearms and violation of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Gun Ban. The arrests took place at a COMELEC checkpoint along De Mazenod Avenue.
The suspects were identified as Thong L. Gayak, 53, the Barangay Chairman of Tamontaka 4; Aladin Bayao Taup, 56, self-employed; and Sangguting Salik Bagay, 48, self-employed. All are residents of Barangay Tamontaka 4, Cotabato City.
During a routine inspection of a white Toyota Hi-Lux driven by Gayak, personnel from Police Station 1 and the 35th Marine Brigade Landing Team discovered three unlicensed firearms in plain view. The confiscated firearms included one 9MM STK 100 pistol with a magazine containing 16 rounds, one .40 caliber Bersa Thunder 40 pistol with a magazine containing 13 rounds, and one .45 caliber 1911 model pistol with a magazine containing 11 rounds.
The individuals failed to present valid firearm licenses or COMELEC exemption permits, leading to their immediate arrest. The confiscated firearms and suspects were transported to Police Station 1 for documentation and legal proceedings. They are facing charges under Republic Act No. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) in relation to the COMELEC Gun Ban.
PBGEN Romeo J. Macapaz, Regional Director of the Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR), commended law enforcement personnel for their vigilance. He emphasized the importance of firearm regulations, particularly during election periods, and reaffirmed PRO BAR’s commitment to ensuring peaceful and orderly conduct during the 2025 National and Local Elections and the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election.
In a separate operation, authorities arrested Cotabato City’s Top 1 Most Wanted Person (station level) on March 2, 2025. The suspect, known as alias “Raprap,” a 38-year-old male resident of Mother Barangay Tamontaka, Cotabato City, was apprehended at around 8:30 AM at the PDEA BARMM Jail Facility in PC Hill, RH-1, Cotabato City.
The operation was carried out by the City Intelligence Unit of CCPO, in coordination with Police Station 1, Police Station 3, PDEA BARMM, and the Maguindanao Maritime Police Station. The suspect was wanted for violations of Republic Act No. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and Republic Act No. 9516 (Illegal Possession of Explosives Act). Authorities ensured he was informed of his constitutional rights in a language he fully understands before placing him in custody at the PDEA BARMM Jail Facility, where he faces additional charges.
These operations highlight the continued efforts of law enforcement agencies in Cotabato City to maintain peace and security by enforcing firearm regulations and apprehending high-profile fugitives.