POLICE REGIONAL OFFICE 9 (PRO 9) has intensified its anti-criminality and anti-drug campaign, resulting in major accomplishments across the Zamboanga Peninsula. In a series of coordinated operations, authorities seized more than 103 grams of suspected shabu valued at over ₱700,400.00 and arrested several drug suspects, including newly identified high-value targets in Zamboanga City and Zamboanga del Sur.
In Zamboanga City, the City Drug Enforcement Unit, backed by various police and military units and in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 9, carried out a successful buy-bust operation at Barangay Tugbungan in the early hours of October 31, 2025. The operation yielded approximately 51 grams of suspected shabu worth ₱346,800.00, along with marked money used in the transaction. The suspect was promptly taken into custody, while the seized items were submitted to the forensic unit for examination.
Meanwhile, in Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur, police executed a search warrant in Barangay Sicade on the evening of October 30, resulting in the confiscation of 11 sachets of suspected shabu weighing about 12 grams and valued at ₱81,600.00. The arrested suspect and seized evidence were brought to the station for documentation before being forwarded for forensic analysis.
On the same night in Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur, a joint operation led by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, in partnership with the Provincial Investigation Unit, Aurora Municipal Police Station, and PDEA 9, resulted in the arrest of two newly identified high-value drug targets. Authorities seized approximately 40 grams of suspected shabu worth ₱272,000.00. The suspects were turned over to authorities for processing while the confiscated drugs were sent for forensic testing.
Police Brigadier General Eleazar P. Matta, Regional Director of PRO 9, lauded the operatives for their diligence and coordination, emphasizing that these operations demonstrate the police force’s firm commitment to safeguarding communities from illegal drugs and other criminal threats—especially as the region observes Undas.
“These operations reaffirm our strong resolve to keep our communities safe,” Matta said. “As we intensified our campaign against illegal drugs, we are simultaneously strengthening our security measures for Undas to ensure that the public can honor their loved ones in peace. Our personnel are fully deployed and prepared on the ground, and the public can expect heightened police visibility, swift response capabilities, and firm enforcement against any criminal activity.”
He further assured that PRO 9 remains on full alert, maintaining continuous patrols and close coordination with local government units, force multipliers, and partner agencies.
“The sustained effort embodies our commitment to the PNP Focused Agenda—enhancing police services, deepening community trust, and ensuring that law enforcement is genuinely felt by every citizen,” Matta added.
Authorities urged the public to continue supporting law enforcement efforts by reporting suspicious activities to ensure a peaceful and drug-free region.