The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested two armed men and seized high-powered firearms, ammunition, and an explosive following a brief armed encounter in Barangay Macabenban, Carmen, Cotabato on June 26, 2026. A third suspect remains at large.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the operation stemmed from information provided by a barangay official about unidentified armed individuals carrying firearms in the area. Responding personnel from the Carmen Municipal Police Station, the 2nd Cotabato Provincial Mobile Force Company, and Charlie Company of the 40th Infantry Battalion engaged the group, prompting the suspects to fire at approaching authorities before fleeing in different directions. Two were apprehended, and no law enforcement personnel were injured.
The arrested suspects, both male farmers aged 39 and 43, are now in police custody. Authorities are preparing criminal complaints under the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (RA 10591) and the Illegal Possession of Explosives Act (RA 9516). The remaining 38-year-old suspect is subject of an ongoing manhunt.
Recovered items include three M1 Garand rifles, one improvised shotgun, live ammunition, and a fragmentation hand grenade. The firearms will undergo ballistic testing, and the explosive will be handled by the PNP Explosives and Canine Unit.
“The recovery of these firearms and the arrest of armed suspects underscore our determination to prevent violence before it escalates. We will relentlessly pursue those who endanger our communities and ensure they face the full force of the law,” PGEN Nartatez said.
The operation highlights the role of timely community information in enabling rapid police response and reflects the PNP’s Focused Agenda, emphasizing proactive policing, community engagement, and accountability.
“We encourage the public to continue cooperating and providing information. Your participation is crucial in addressing threats to our communities immediately,” Nartatez added.
The PNP emphasized that operations against armed groups and other threats will continue under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., reinforcing its commitment to a “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman.”