Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur – In a late-night operation on May 9, 2025, six armed men were arrested in Barangay Napolan, Pagadian City for resisting police authority and violating the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (RA 10591), in connection with the Omnibus Election Code.
The incident occurred at around 11:00 PM after authorities received an intelligence report about armed individuals on board a grey Mitsubishi Strada with no license plate. Operatives from the 1st Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company (ZSPMFC), backed by the 55th Special Action Company, intercepted the vehicle in Alta Tierra, Barangay Napolan.
Despite repeated instructions, the suspects initially refused to cooperate with law enforcement, prompting reinforcements from the Pagadian City Police Station. After several hours of standoff, the suspects voluntarily exited the vehicle at around 3:45 AM and were immediately taken into custody.
A plain view search of the pickup truck led to the recovery of multiple firearms and ammunition. Authorities seized five Colt MKIV caliber .45 pistols, one Bushmaster rifle, six pistol magazines, four rifle magazines, 41 rounds of .45 caliber and 79 rounds of 5.56 caliber live ammunition, one handheld radio, and a black bag containing the items.
The arrested individuals, all residents of Zamboanga del Sur and Lanao del Norte, are now under the custody of the Pagadian City Police Station for documentation and filing of appropriate charges.
This operation forms part of the intensified anti-criminality efforts of the Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office (ZSPPO) under the direction of its Provincial Director and the leadership of Police Regional Office 9 (PRO9).