The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said it dismantled a suspected illegal firearms and drug syndicate in Aleosan, North Cotabato, after an intelligence-driven operation uncovered high-grade shabu and firearms and resulted in the death of an armed suspect during the implementation of court-issued search warrants.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the PNP Intelligence Group, Police Regional Office 12, the Cotabato Police Provincial Office, and other participating units for the 29 June operation in Barangay New Panay that resulted in the death of Muhamad Taparan Pasandalan.

The operation was conducted in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive, through Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to intensify intelligence-driven operations against illegal drugs and loose firearms.

"This operation sends a clear message that the Philippine National Police will relentlessly pursue individuals involved in illegal drugs and the unlawful possession of firearms," Nartatez said.

The PNP chief also ordered an intensified manhunt for three suspects who escaped during the operation: Thong Abiden Sapal, Kalid Ebad Sakib alias "Budtong," and Eti Abiden Sapal.

Authorities also arrested Montaser Masempal Pandita, 33, who was not among those named in the search warrants but was allegedly seen carrying a 9mm pistol tucked into his waistband.

The operation stemmed from search warrants issued on 19 June by Executive Judge Rainera P. Osua of the Regional Trial Court Branch 28 in Midsayap for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Police said Pasandalan allegedly opened fire on officers at around 3:50 a.m. as they approached his residence to serve the warrant. The operating team returned fire, hitting Pasandalan, who was later declared dead on arrival at Aleosan District Hospital.

"We will continue to conduct intelligence-driven, lawfully executed operations to protect our communities. Those who choose to resist arrest with violence will be dealt with in accordance with the law while respecting due process and human rights," Nartatez said.

Authorities recovered two .45-caliber pistols, ammunition, and 15 sachets of suspected shabu worth about P552,932.48from Pasandalan.

A .45-caliber pistol and three large sachets of suspected shabu were also recovered from Sapal, who escaped during the operation.

Meanwhile, officers seized a Colt MK IV .45-caliber pistol, a handheld radio, and four sachets of suspected shabu valued at about P136,000 from the residence of Sakib and Sapal, who were not present during the implementation of the warrants.

All recovered evidence has been submitted to the Cotabato Provincial Forensic Unit in Kidapawan City for forensic and ballistic examination.

Criminal complaints for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, and Republic Act No. 10591 are being prepared against the three suspects who remain at large.