ZAMBOANGA CITY – Authorities dealt a major blow to the illegal drug trade after seizing Php13.6 million worth of suspected shabu and arresting two high-value targets during a late-night buy-bust operation in Barangay Baliwasan on Friday, August 15, 2025.
At around 10:30 p.m., operatives of Special Operations Unit 9 under the command of PBGEN Edwin A. Quilates of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group, in coordination with the Zamboanga City Police Office Police Station 11, 1st Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company, City Drug Enforcement Unit, Regional Drug Enforcement Unit 9, 904th Mobile Company RMFB-9, and S2 Battalion Headquarters RMFB-9, carried out the successful operation in front of Shanze Laundry Hub, Baliwasan Chico.
The suspects, identified as Benhar Indanan Ayong, 45, alias “Ungod,” and Choy Arip Mangumma, 23, alias “Choy,” were apprehended after selling two kilograms of suspected shabu to undercover operatives. Authorities confirmed that both are considered high-value individuals involved in large-scale distribution of illegal drugs within Zamboanga City and nearby provinces including Zamboanga Sibugay and Basilan.
The confiscated shabu, with an estimated standard drug price of Php13,600,000, along with other non-drug evidence, has been turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit 9 for laboratory examination. The arrested suspects are detained at Zamboanga City Police Station 11 pending charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
In a statement, PBGEN Quilates praised the exemplary coordination of the units involved:
“The exemplary coordination and dedication of Special Operations Unit 9 and all partner units in this successful operation. Your unwavering commitment and teamwork have dealt a significant blow to the illegal drug trade, protecting communities and saving lives. Keep up the fight against illegal drugs.”
Local officials and members of the Zamboanga City Peace and Order Council also lauded the police for the swift action, stressing that the entrapment operation was made possible by intelligence reports from informants who exposed the suspects’ large-scale shabu distribution network.
The successful bust underscores the continuing drive of PRO-9 and its partner agencies to dismantle drug syndicates operating in Zamboanga Peninsula and nearby island provinces.