MOLAVE, Zamboanga del Sur — A 20-year-old man who was wounded in a shooting incident in Purok Bandera, Barangay Dalaon, Molave, was arrested by police after suspected illegal drugs were discovered on his person while he was undergoing medical treatment early Thursday morning, December 18, 2025.
Police said the victim was shot at around 2:00 a.m. by a 37-year-old male suspect, a resident of Barangay Maloloy-on, Molave. Initial investigation revealed that the suspect fired multiple shots at the victim before fleeing in an unknown direction.
A concerned citizen immediately rushed the wounded man to Salug Valley Medical Center after he sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. However, during hospital procedures, medical personnel prepared the patient for an X-ray examination and asked him to remove his clothing. At that point, a heat-sealed plastic sachet containing suspected shabu, along with several drug paraphernalia, reportedly fell from the victim’s pocket.
Hospital staff promptly coordinated with the Molave Municipal Police Station, leading to the victim’s arrest for violation of Section 11 of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
After receiving medical treatment, the suspect-victim was taken into police custody for proper disposition and further investigation. Authorities said the recovered illegal drugs and paraphernalia were secured for documentation and submission to the crime laboratory.
Meanwhile, police have launched a hot pursuit operation to locate and arrest the 37-year-old suspect responsible for the shooting. Investigators are also probing the motive behind the attack and determining whether it may be connected to illegal drug activities.
The Molave police urged anyone with information on the whereabouts of the gunman to immediately report to the nearest police station as the investigation continues.