Government forces intercepted five men carrying high-powered firearms during a checkpoint operation in Mother Barangay Poblacion, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur.
Police Captain Guiseppe Tamayo, spokesman of the Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Police Office, confirmed the arrest in an interview with Brigada News FM Cotabato on Friday morning.
Tamayo said the five men were stopped while onboard a white minivan that reportedly lacked proper registration documents. Authorities became suspicious and conducted a thorough inspection.
Recovered from the suspects were high-powered firearms, assorted ammunition, and other contraband. Police identified the suspects only by their aliases: Saber, Rasul, Kenjie, Manot, and Gapor.
The firearms and ammunition were reportedly undocumented.
The five suspects are now detained at the Shariff Aguak Municipal Police Station. Authorities are preparing charges against them for illegal possession of firearms and other possible violations.
Police have not yet confirmed if the suspects are connected to any armed groups. The investigation is ongoing.
