ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY — In a decisive display of vigilance and teamwork, police authorities in Zamboanga Sibugay arrested an armed male driver and confiscated high-powered firearms during a joint checkpoint operation in Barangay Tiayon, Ipil, early morning of November 6, 2025.
The operation, spearheaded by the Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office (ZSBPPO) under the leadership of Provincial Director PCOL Barnard Danie V. Dasugo, was conducted jointly by Ipil Municipal Police Station (MPS), the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), and the Provincial Highway Patrol Unit (PHPU).
At around 1:00 a.m., law enforcers flagged down a metallic gray vehicle for inspection after noticing it had no rear license plate. Upon requesting the driver’s license and vehicle registration, officers spotted a long firearm positioned beside the driver’s seat. When asked for the necessary documents, the suspect failed to present a valid Permit to Transport (PTT).
Verification revealed that the firearm—a Kalashnikov Semi-Automatic Rifle, Model SAIGA 9EXP, Caliber 9mm (Serial No. 21090311)—had an expired PTT as of May 22, 2024. Another firearm, a Glock Pistol, Model G19 BLUE, Caliber 9mm (Serial No. AAEN504), was found in the vehicle and confirmed to have a valid registration expiring on October 25, 2035.
The driver, identified as an adult male resident of Top Mars 3, Barangay Pangi, Ipil, was arrested on-site. The firearms and the suspect were brought to the Ipil MPS for proper documentation and filing of charges for violation of Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
In a statement, PCOL Dasugo commended the joint police units for their professionalism and vigilance:
“I commend Ipil MPS, ZSB PIU, ZSB 2nd PMFC, and ZSB PHPU for the successful conduct of this checkpoint operation. Their dedication and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the community are truly commendable. We assure the public that we will continue to intensify our efforts to keep our communities safe.”
Authorities continue to tighten security and conduct similar operations across the province as part of their ongoing campaign against loose firearms and criminality.