Attempting to evade a police checkpoint proved futile for a 40-year-old farmer who was caught carrying an unlicensed firearm and suspected illegal drugs after crashing his motorcycle during a police operation in Polangui, Albay.
Personnel of Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5), through the Polangui MPS under the Albay Police Provincial Office, successfully arrested the suspect during a routine checkpoint operation conducted at around 11:30 AM on May 26, 2026, along Maharlika Highway, Barangay Matacon, Polangui, Albay.
According to the report from Albay PPO, the suspect, identified as alias “Leo” and a resident of Libon, Albay, attempted to evade the checkpoint upon noticing the operating personnel. In his attempt to escape, he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into the sandy portion of the road, causing him to fall onto the pavement.
Police personnel immediately responded and assisted the suspect. During standard verification procedures, one of the police officer requested the suspect to present his driver’s license or any valid identification card. However, upon unzipping the suspect’s black body bag, the officer noticed a caliber .38 revolver inside. When asked to present the necessary documents for the firearm, the suspect failed to provide any legal permit or license, prompting the operating personnel to place him under arrest and inform him of his constitutional rights.
Moments later, while the suspect was removing his gray jacket, a transparent plastic sachet containing suspected shabu accidentally fell onto the pavement, further strengthening the case against him.
Confiscated during the operation were one caliber .38 revolver with trademark “MFTD by Arms Corporation of the Philippines” bearing serial number 20387 loaded with five rounds of live ammunition, three additional live rounds of ammunition for caliber .45 firearm, and one transparent plastic sachet containing suspected shabu weighing 2 grams with an estimated standard drug price of PhP13,600.00.
The suspect was informed of the nature and cause of his arrest and apprised of his constitutional rights in a language known to and understood by him. He was subsequently brought to Polangui MPS together with the confiscated evidence for proper documentation and disposition.
Meanwhile, the on-site inventory, marking, and photographing of the seized items were conducted at the place of incident in the presence of the suspect and mandatory witnesses in accordance with established procedures.
The successful operation underscores the effectiveness of intensified police visibility and checkpoint operations being continuously implemented by PRO 5 under its Enhanced Managing Police Operations. Through sustained checkpoint operations and active police presence, authorities continue to deter criminal activities and ensure the safety and security of communities in the region.
PBGEN EROSITO N MIRANDA, Regional Director, PRO5, lauded the operating personnel for their vigilance and dedication in carrying out the operation.
“This accomplishment highlights the importance of proactive police visibility and aggressive law enforcement operations in preventing criminality. PRO5 remains committed in intensifying checkpoint operations and other anti-criminality measures to ensure the delivery of ‘Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman’ to the public,” PBGEN Miranda said.
Source: PNP Kasurog Bicol