Trike driver with a gun: 40-yr-old man arrested with .38 revolver and suspected Shabu in Tumauini, Isabela

TUMAUINI, Isabela — A 40-year-old tricycle driver was arrested after police allegedly recovered a caliber .38 revolver, two rounds of ammunition and two sachets of suspected shabu during an operation in Barangay Annafunan, Tumauini, Isabela, on September 20, 2026.

The suspect, identified only as alias “Art,” is married, originally from Minaulon, Bacolod, Lanao del Norte, and currently residing in Barangay District 4, Tumauini.

Police said personnel from the Tumauini Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Isabela Police Provincial Office (PIU-IPPO) were conducting intelligence monitoring in the area when they spotted the suspect, who was allegedly causing trouble and threatening passersby.

During the monitoring, officers reportedly noticed an object protruding from the suspect’s black belt bag that appeared to be a firearm handle. When approached and questioned, the object was identified as a .38-caliber revolver.

The suspect allegedly failed to present a license or other documents authorizing possession of the firearm, resulting in his arrest.

Police also recovered from the belt bag two heat-sealed transparent sachets containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu, along with two .38-caliber rounds.

The suspect and the seized items were brought to the Tumauini MPS for documentation and further legal proceedings.

Possible charges

Based on the items reportedly recovered, the suspect could face charges for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition under Republic Act No. 10591, subject to verification of the firearm’s registration and the appropriate permit or license.

He could also face a charge under Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, for alleged possession of dangerous drugs if the substance is confirmed as shabu through the required laboratory examination. Section 11 of RA 9165 covers possession of dangerous drugs.

The actual charges will depend on the results of the investigation, laboratory examination and evaluation by prosecutors.

Isabela police said they will continue intelligence-driven operations against illegal drugs and unauthorized firearms while observing due process and the rights of persons involved.