Authorities confiscated high-powered firearms, explosives, and tactical equipment during a follow-up operation in Bulacan on 29 November 2025.

According to the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3), the discovery of the cache resulted from a major breakthrough in the investigation of a robbery with attempted homicide incident in Bustos, Bulacan.

PRO3 stated that the incident initially occurred around 3:00 a.m. in Barangay Liciada, Bustos, when patrolling members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) heard successive gunshots and immediately responded.

Upon arriving at the location, they found the victim lying on the ground with gunshot wounds to the leg. The assailants, still unidentified, reportedly robbed the victim before fleeing aboard a gray sedan heading toward Pandi, Bulacan.

At 6:30 a.m., the Bustos Municipal Police Station (MPS) received the report and promptly initiated an investigation, developing leads that triggered a coordinated tracking operation.

By 3:15 p.m. of the same day, a joint team composed of Bustos MPS, the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) of Bulacan PPO, and the Regional Intelligence Division (RID), in coordination with the Malabon City Police Station, conducted a follow-up operation in Barangay Panghulo, Malabon City. Several individuals believed to be involved in the incident were subsequently apprehended.

During the operation, authorities seized an extensive assortment of weapons and items, including: five pistols of various calibers; one Uzi 9mm machine pistol; one M16 rifle (DPMS Panther Arms); one Benelli upper receiver; one hand grenade; assorted ammunition and magazines; multiple cellular phones; and one bulletproof vest marked “NBI.”

All confiscated firearms and equipment are now undergoing documentation, forensic analysis, and verification of ownership. Investigators are also probing whether the arrested individuals are members of a larger criminal group or gun-running syndicate operating across Bulacan and Metro Manila.

Authorities noted that the presence of a machine pistol, an assault rifle, explosive devices, and tactical gear indicates possible involvement in more extensive illegal activities, prompting a broader intelligence investigation.

PRO3 Director Police Brig. General Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr. lauded the swift and coordinated efforts of all units involved, emphasizing that the rapid recovery of the weapons reflected the enhanced operational capabilities of PRO3.

He added that investigators are now closely examining possible links of the suspects to criminal networks, stressing that PRO3 will continue to collaborate with Bulacan PPO, NCRPO, and national support units to dismantle organized groups that threaten public safety.