3 suspects arrested; firearms, drugs seized in Cotabato town

COTABATO CITY – A joint law enforcement operation involving anti-narcotics agents and soldiers on Saturday, Nov. 14, resulted in the arrest of three persons, confiscation of firearms, explosives-related materials and illegal drugs in Barangay Gumaga, Libungan town, Cotabato.

Soldiers led by Lt. Col. Germen T. Legada, commanding officer of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion, and operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), confiscated from the arrested suspects two M16 rifles, one 12-gauge shotgun, five rifle grenades, two 5.56mm magazine assemblies, 5.56mm ammunition, two rolls of suspected explosive wire with blasting caps, marked money, drug paraphernalia, about 15 grams of suspected methamphetamine, and one cellular phone.

READ: Cops bust drug suspect in Lanao del Norte; P374,000 in meth, gun seized

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Brig. Gen. Ricky Bunayog, commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade, said the arrested individuals and confiscated items were turned over to the PDEA for proper disposition and further investigation.

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Bunayog said the successful operation demonstrated the importance of strong partnerships and coordination among the military, local government units, and law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and security in communities.

“We expressed gratitude to residents for their continued cooperation and support by remaining vigilant and promptly reporting about suspicious activities in their areas,” Bunayog said in a statement.

Bunayog emphasized that active public participation plays a vital role in preventing illegal activities and addressing security threats.

He urged the public to continue working with authorities, stressing that maintaining peace and order is everyone’s responsibility.

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Maj. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, commended operatives of 33IB and PDEA for the successful joint operation, which demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated efforts and strong inter-agency cooperation in combating illegal drugs and other criminal activities.

Catu assured the public that the 6ID would continue supporting government initiatives aimed at maintaining peace, order, and the safety of communities. /ms