Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay — Two individuals were arrested during a checkpoint operation early Saturday morning, March 1, after authorities found them in possession of firearms and ammunition without legal permits at the San Pedro Border Control Point (BCP) in this province.
Personnel assigned at the San Pedro BCP in Ipil intercepted the suspects at around 7:00 a.m. while they were traveling on a black motorcycle. The checkpoint was being supervised by PMAJ Brent Ian S. Salazar, Officer-in-Charge of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), as part of ongoing security and anti-criminality operations in the area.
According to authorities, the motorcycle was flagged down for routine inspection when officers discovered that the two individuals were carrying firearms and ammunition. When asked to present the necessary legal documents, including permits and licenses required under the Republic Act No. 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, the suspects failed to produce any valid papers.
Police immediately placed the suspects under arrest for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The apprehended individuals were then transported to the Tungawan Municipal Police Station for proper documentation, inventory of seized items, and the preparation and filing of appropriate criminal charges.
Authorities did not immediately disclose the identities of the suspects pending formal booking procedures and further investigation.
Police officials said the successful interception highlights the importance of sustained checkpoint operations across key entry and exit points in the province. Such operations aim to deter the movement of loose firearms, illegal drugs, and other contraband, especially in areas considered vulnerable to criminal activity.
The Police Regional Office in the Zamboanga Peninsula has been intensifying law enforcement efforts through strategic checkpoints and patrols to strengthen public safety and prevent the circulation of unlicensed firearms, which remain a major concern in several parts of the region.
Further investigation is ongoing to determine the origin of the seized firearms and whether the suspects are linked to any criminal group operating within or outside Zamboanga Sibugay.