The Philippine National Police dismantled a suspected illegal firearms and drug syndicate in Aleosan, North Cotabato, following an intelligence-driven operation that yielded high-grade shabu, firearms, and ammunition and resulted in the death of an armed suspect.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the operation led to the death of Muhamad Taparan Pasandalan and the arrest of Montaser Masempal Pandita, 33, who was not among the subjects of the search warrants but was allegedly seen in plain view with a 9mm pistol tucked into his waist.
“This operation sends a clear message that the Philippine National Police will relentlessly pursue individuals involved in illegal drugs and the unlawful possession of firearms,” PGEN Nartatez said.
Nartatez also directed PRO-12 and all concerned operating units to intensify manhunt operations against three suspects who escaped during the raid. They were identified as Thong Abiden Sapal, Kalid Ebad Sakib alias “Budtong,” and Eti Abiden Sapal.
The PNP said the operation was conducted by virtue of search warrants issued on June 19 by Executive Judge Rainera P. Osua of the Regional Trial Court Branch 28 in Midsayap for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
According to police, violence broke out at around 3:50 a.m. when Pasandalan allegedly opened fire at the operating team as officers approached his residence in Barangay New Panay to serve the warrant.
The operating personnel returned fire to repel the attack, causing Pasandalan to sustain gunshot wounds. He was brought to Aleosan District Hospital, where he was later declared dead on arrival.
“We will continue to conduct intelligence-driven, lawfully executed operations to protect our communities. Those who choose to resist arrest with violence will be dealt with in accordance with the law while respecting due process and human rights,” PGEN Nartatez said.
Authorities said they recovered two .45 caliber pistols, ammunition, and fifteen sachets of suspected shabu worth about P552,932.48 from Pasandalan.
A .45 caliber pistol and three large sachets of suspected shabu were also recovered from Sapal, who managed to escape.
Police also recovered a Colt MK IV caliber .45 pistol, a handheld radio, and four sachets of suspected shabu valued at about P136,000 from the residence of Sakib and Sapal, who were not seen during the implementation of the warrants.
The recovered evidence was submitted for forensic and ballistic examination at the Cotabato Provincial Forensic Unit in Kidapawan City.
The PNP said criminal complaints for violations of Republic Act No. 9165 and Republic Act No. 10591 are being prepared against the three suspects who remain at large.