PNP busts gun, drug syndicate in North Cotabato

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) busted a suspected illegal firearms and drug syndicate in Aleosan, North Cotabato and launched a manhunt for three remaining suspects after an intelligence-driven operation left one suspect dead.

The operation took place on June 29 in Barangay New Panay and involved the PNP Intelligence Group, Police Regional Office (PRO) 12, the Cotabato Police Provincial Office, and other participating units.

Authorities said the operation resulted in the death of suspect Muhamad Taparan Pasandalan.

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READ: 2 alleged gunrunners arrested in Marawi City entrapment

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In a statement on Wednesday, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said they will “relentlessly pursue individuals involved in illegal drugs and the unlawful possession of firearms.”

PRO 12 and other concerned units were instructed to step up the manhunt for the three remaining suspects who escaped during the operation. They were identified as Thong Abiden Sapal, Kalid Ebad Sakib or “Budtong,” and Eti Abiden Sapal.

Police also arrested 33-year-old Montaser Masempal Pandita, who was not named in the search warrants but was allegedly found carrying a 9mm pistol tucked into his waistband.

The operation stemmed from search warrants issued on June 19 by Executive Judge Rainera Osua of the Regional Trial Court Branch 28 in Midsayap.

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The warrants were issued for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

According to police, gunfire broke out at about 3:50 a.m. after Pasandalan allegedly fired at the operating team as officers approached his residence in Barangay New Panay to implement the warrant.

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The operating team returned fire to repel the attack, wounding Pasandalan, who was taken to Aleosan District Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Authorities recovered two .45-caliber pistols, ammunition, and 15 sachets of suspected shabu valued at about P552,932.48 from Pasandalan.

A .45-caliber pistol and three large sachets of suspected shabu were also recovered from one of the suspects, who managed to flee.

Meanwhile, officers seized a Colt MK IV .45-caliber pistol, a handheld radio, and four sachets of suspected shabu worth around P136,000 from the residence of Sakib and Sapal, who were not present when the warrants were served.

The recovered evidence was turned over to the Cotabato Provincial Forensic Unit in Kidapawan City for forensic and ballistic examination.

Police are preparing criminal charges for alleged violations of RA 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, and RA 10591 against the three suspects who remain at large.

“We will continue to conduct intelligence-driven, lawfully executed operations to protect our communities,” said Nartatez. /das

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