ZAMBOANGA CITY — Police Regional Office 9 (PRO 9) recorded major victories in its intensified war against illegal drugs after two back-to-back operations on December 5, 2025 led to the arrest of four High-Value Individuals (HVIs) and the confiscation of at least 300 grams of suspected shabu worth more than ₱2 million.
Baliwasan Bust Nets Two HVIs, ₱340,000 Worth of Shabu
At around 6:20 p.m., elements of Zamboanga City Police Station 5 and the City Drug Enforcement Unit launched a buy-bust operation in Ledesma Compound, Barangay Baliwasan Grande. The sting resulted in the arrest of a 38-year-old male from Seaside, Barangay Baliwasan, and a 33-year-old male from Barangay Taglibi, Patikul, Sulu.
Recovered from the suspects were about 50 grams of suspected shabu valued at ₱340,000. Authorities also seized drug paraphernalia, all of which were immediately turned over to the Zamboanga City Forensic Unit for laboratory examination. The suspects are now detained at ZCPS 5 as charges are being prepared.
Two More HVIs Fall in Sinunuc; 250 Grams of Shabu Seized
Just three hours later, at 9:33 p.m., a larger joint operation in Purok 1, Barangay Sinunuc, led by various units including the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit 9, Regional Special Operations Unit 9, Naval Intelligence and Security Group–Western Mindanao, and ZCPS 8, resulted in another major breakthrough.
Arrested in the sting were a 25-year-old male from Luuk, Jolo, Sulu, and a 30-year-old male from Barangay Kasanyangan, Zamboanga City. Confiscated from the duo were five heat-sealed sachets of suspected shabu weighing roughly 250 grams, valued at ₱1.7 million. The seized items will undergo examination at the Regional Forensic Unit 9, while the suspects will be transferred to the ZCPS 11 detention facility for inquest proceedings.
Quilates Lauds Units, Vows Sustained Anti-Drug Drive
Police Brigadier General Edwin A. Quilates, PRO 9 Regional Director, praised all operating units for what he described as “effective, coordinated, and well-executed operations.” He said that arresting four HVIs in a single day demonstrates the region’s firm commitment to dismantling drug networks in line with the directives of PNP Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.
He also urged communities to remain vigilant and continue supporting law enforcement initiatives aimed at keeping the Zamboanga Peninsula and Sulu safe and drug-free.
PRO 9 reaffirmed that it will sustain its intensified operations to weaken and eradicate illegal drug activities across the region.