26/08/2026
PNP FOILS POTENTIAL THREAT, RECOVERS IEDs AND FIREARM IN SARANGANI
The Philippine National Police (PNP) recovered two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), a caliber .38 revolver, and three rounds of ammunition following information provided by a former member of a Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Malapatan, Sarangani Province on August 22, 2026.
The information was voluntarily disclosed by alias “Cavite,” a former CTG member who surrendered to authorities on July 24, 2026. Acting on the information, joint personnel of the Police Regional Office 12 and the Sarangani Police Provincial Office proceeded to the reported location in Barangay Patag, Malapatan, where the items were successfully recovered.
The firearm and ammunition were secured for proper documentation and disposition, while the recovered IEDs were placed under the custody of the police explosive and canine unit for appropriate handling and disposal.
Chief, PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the recovery demonstrates the value of timely information and the importance of maintaining the confidence of communities in law enforcement.
“Kapag may impormasyon na makakatulong para maiwasan ang isang panganib, mahalagang maaksyunan ito agad at maayos. Our job is not only to respond when something happens, but to do what we can to prevent harm before it happens,” PGen Nartatez said.
The PNP said the operation reflects its continuing effort to strengthen preventive and intelligence-led policing under the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, while ensuring that recovered fi****ms, ammunition, and explosive materials are properly secured and handled.
The Chief, PNP likewise underscored that the PNP’s public safety efforts remain aligned with the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., particularly in strengthening peace and order and protecting communities through responsive and responsible policing.
The PNP continues to encourage the public to report information concerning unattended fi****ms, explosives, or other items that may pose a threat to community safety through the appropriate authorities. Such information will be handled responsibly and acted upon in accordance with established procedures.
The PNP remains committed to building safer communities through timely action, responsible police work, and stronger cooperation with the public, in keeping with the vision of a Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.
(PNP-PIO)