Major Drug and Firearms Bust in Negros Occidental
Operatives from the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) successfully conducted a search warrant operation in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, leading to a significant seizure of illegal drugs and firearms. The operation took place on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, in Purok Campilisan, Barangay Oringao.
Arrest and Contraband Recovery
The police action resulted in the arrest of a 29-year-old man, identified only by the alias "Cris," who is a resident of the area. Authorities executed the raid based on a search warrant for violations of Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
During the search, operatives confiscated several items from the suspect's possession:
- One improvised 12-gauge shotgun
- One Ingram 9mm Sub-machine Gun with a defaced serial number
- A magazine loaded with 16 live 9mm ammunition
- Eight heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu
In a crucial discovery made in plain view, police also found an additional 40 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated market value of P272,000.
Community Complaints Spark Operation
According to Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, chief of the PRO-NIR Public Information Office, the operation was initiated after residents reported that the suspect, a known drug personality, had been brandishing his firearm and allegedly firing it while intoxicated. This behavior was causing significant fear and distress within the community.
Acting on these reports, intelligence operatives promptly conducted validation and continuous surveillance to confirm the information's accuracy before proceeding with the raid.
Police Leadership Applauds Success
Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, praised the operating unit for their diligence and commitment. He emphasized that this accomplishment highlights PRO-NIR's continued dedication to maintaining peace and order across the Negros Island Region.
"Our intensified operations show that PRO-NIR will never cease in its mission to rid our communities of illegal weapons and dangerous drugs," Ibay stated. "We remain steadfast in our goal to ensure a safe, peaceful, and drug-free Negros Island Region."
This operation reinforces the Philippine National Police's vision of creating safer and more secure communities for all citizens through persistent campaigns against illegal drugs, loose firearms, and other criminal activities.
