Manila, July 1 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has dismantled a suspected illegal arms and drug syndicate in Aleosan, North Cotabato after an intelligence-driven operation uncovered substantial quantities of high-grade shabu and firearms and led to the death of an armed suspect during the service of court-issued search warrants.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the PNP Intelligence Group, Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12), Cotabato Police Provincial Office and all participating units for the successful operation conducted in Barangay New Panay on June 29, which resulted in the death of Muhamad Taparan Pasandalan.

"This operation sends a clear message that the PNP will relentlessly pursue individuals involved...