ZAMBOANGA CITY — Authorities arrested a 43-year-old man during an anti-illegal firearms operation in Barangay Sangali, Zamboanga City, resulting in the seizure of a shotgun, a .45 caliber pistol, ammunition, and boodle money used in the operation.
The suspect, identified as Alje Sahi Garingan, a resident of Sitio Malasugat in Barangay Sangali, was apprehended following a police operation targeting the alleged illegal sale of firearms.
The operation was conducted by operatives of the Criminal Intelligence Unit (CIU) led by PLt. Col. Hartzel Peter Billedo, in coordination with Police Station 3–Sangali headed by Police Capt. Perlito Abiliani, along with personnel from the 1st Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company (1st ZCMFC).
Authorities said the operation was launched after intelligence monitoring indicated that the suspect was involved in the illegal trading of firearms in the area.
During the operation, police successfully arrested the suspect and confiscated several items believed to be linked to the illegal activity. Recovered from the suspect were one improvised shotgun with a magazine and four pieces of 12-gauge ammunition, one .45 caliber pistol with two magazines containing six rounds of ammunition, and ₱60,000 in boodle money used during the operation.
Police said the confiscated firearms and ammunition will undergo proper documentation and forensic examination as part of the investigation.
The suspect is currently detained at the Sangali Police Station 3 while authorities prepare the filing of charges against him for violation of Republic Act 10591, also known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Under RA 10591, the possession, sale, or transfer of unlicensed firearms and ammunition is punishable by imprisonment and fines.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to intensifying operations against the proliferation of illegal firearms, emphasizing that such weapons often contribute to violent crimes and threats to public safety.
Police urged the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities related to illegal firearms to help maintain peace and order in communities.