Law Enforcement Operation in Basilan Leads to Arrest and Major Seizure
Authorities in Basilan province conducted a successful law enforcement operation on Saturday, February 7, 2026, resulting in the arrest of an individual and the confiscation of illegal firearms and a substantial quantity of undocumented electronic cigarettes. The early morning raid took place in Balas village, Lamitan City, and was executed by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Regional Field Unit-9.
Details of the Arrest and Seized Items
The suspect, identified only by the alias Omar and aged 39, is a resident of Balas village in Lamitan City. Police apprehended him at approximately 6:05 a.m. during the service of a court-issued search warrant. The operation targeted violations under the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
During the search of Omar's residence, law enforcement officers discovered and seized several high-powered weapons and related items. The confiscated arsenal included:
- An M4 rifle
- A caliber .22 magnum revolver
- Multiple magazines
- Various ammunition
Unexpected Discovery of Undocumented E-Cigarettes
While executing the firearms search warrant, officers made an additional significant discovery. They inadvertently observed a large quantity of e-cigarettes stored within the suspect's residence. When Omar failed to produce any valid documentation for these products, authorities proceeded to confiscate them as well.
The estimated value of the seized e-cigarettes amounts to approximately P200,000. This unexpected find added another layer of legal violations to the case, as the products lacked proper authorization under relevant regulations.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Following the operation, police transported both the suspect and all confiscated evidence to the CIDG Basilan Provincial Field Unit for processing and documentation. Authorities are preparing to file appropriate criminal charges against the arrested individual.
The charges will encompass multiple violations, including:
- Breaches of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act related to the illegal possession of firearms
- Violations of the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act concerning the undocumented e-cigarettes
This coordinated operation demonstrates the ongoing efforts of Philippine law enforcement agencies to combat both weapons violations and regulatory infractions involving controlled substances and products. The simultaneous discovery of firearms and undocumented vaping products highlights the diverse nature of illegal activities that authorities encounter during routine enforcement actions.
