‘Pinadapa Kami’: Abra family questions police conduct, challenges police report in early-morning search operation

Bangued, Abra – A recent implementation of search warrants by police authorities in Abra on February 21, 2026 has drawn differing accounts from law enforcers and the family involved regarding the conduct of an operation in Barangay Dangdangla, Bangued.

According to a press release from the Bangued Police, the search warrants were implemented at around 5 a.m. and 6 a.m., resulting in the recovery of a .45 caliber pistol with a magazine and one bullet in one residence, and a hand grenade in another.

Authorities added that the operation was conducted with the consent of the family members present at the time.

Meanwhile, members of the Bio family gave a separate account, claiming that officers entered the residence at around 3 a.m., allegedly forcing open the gate and doors and ordering the occupants—including children and a senior citizen—to lie face down during the search.

The family further claimed that during the initial search, conducted in the presence of a relative, no illegal items were found inside the house.

They also alleged that officers later conducted another search, during which a .45 caliber pistol was reportedly found among clothing belonging to a 72-year-old family member, while a hand grenade was allegedly discovered on top of a cabinet in one of the rooms.

According to barangay officials, the search was carried out without prior coordination with local authorities, and some barangay representatives were shown the warrant documents only after the police had begun the operation.

The family has sought legal assistance from human rights lawyers and may file a case at a later date. Police officials have yet to issue a statement regarding the matter.