Cotabato City – A joint law enforcement operation successfully led to the arrest of a wanted individual on March 19, 2025, along Datu Siang Street, Poblacion 7, Cotabato City.
The suspect, identified as alias “Abo Kaunotan,” a 42-year-old resident of the area, was apprehended based on a Warrant of Arrest for Murder issued by Hon. Bansawan Z. Ibrahim of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 13, Cotabato City. The operation was conducted under OPLAN PAGTUGIS, OPLAN PAGLALANSAG OMEGA, and OPLAN OLEA—initiatives of the Philippine National Police (PNP) aimed at capturing wanted persons and dismantling criminal networks.
The joint operation involved multiple law enforcement units, including the Maguindanao Provincial Forensic Unit, Regional Forensic Unit BARMM, Cotabato City Forensic Unit, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
During the arrest, authorities confiscated the following items:
- 270 grams of suspected shabu with a Standard Drug Price of PhP1,800,000.00;
- 20 rounds of live ammunition for a caliber .40 firearm;
- 2 steel magazines for a pistol;
- PhP10,000.00 in cash;
- 1 army green sling bag;
- 1 digital weighing scale;
- 1 gray Honda Click 125 motorcycle; and
- 2 cellular phones.
The marking and inventory of the seized evidence were conducted in the presence of representatives from the Department of Justice, the media, and a barangay official. All collected evidence was turned over to the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) for drug and ballistic examination.
Authorities ensured that the suspect was informed of his constitutional rights in a language he understood before being taken to the CIDG Maguindanao PFU Office for documentation and further legal proceedings.
Police Brigadier General Romeo J. Macapaz, Regional Director of PRO BAR, emphasized the significance of the operation in maintaining peace and order in the region. “Let this serve as a strong message to individuals engaged in illegal activities—our authorities remain steadfast in pursuing justice and ensuring the safety of the people of BARMM. We urge the public to continue supporting our efforts by providing information that can help in our mission to curb crime and uphold the rule of law.”
The successful arrest highlights the continued efforts of law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime and illegal drug activities in Cotabato City and the entire BARMM region.