IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay — A 25-year-old farmer was arrested after police confiscated more than 32 grams of suspected shabu worth ₱217,600, an unlicensed caliber .45 pistol, ammunition, and various drug paraphernalia during the implementation of two court-issued search warrants in Barangay Mabini, Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay, on Sunday afternoon, July 19.
The suspect was identified by authorities as Armand Ladias Saripa, also known as “Arman Kaman Saripa,” a married resident of Purok 7, Barangay Mabini, Malangas.
The operation, conducted from 2:00 p.m. to 4:40 p.m., was spearheaded by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of the Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office under the leadership of PLTCOL John Conrad A. Villanueva.
Supporting the operation were personnel from the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU-ZSBPPO), 903rd Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB), 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), and the Malangas Municipal Police Station (MPS).
Authorities were implementing Search Warrant No. IM-26-044 for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Search Warrant No. IM-26-045 for violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. Both warrants were issued by Judge Octavius G. Soriano of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 31, Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay.
During the lawful search of the suspect’s residence, operatives recovered three heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu with an estimated total weight of 32 grams and an estimated Standard Drug Price (SDP) of ₱217,600.
Police also confiscated a Colt caliber .45 pistol, one magazine loaded with five live rounds of ammunition, a digital weighing scale, scissors, a roll of aluminum foil, a disposable lighter, a backpack believed to have been used to store the illegal items, and an eyeglass pouch, along with other non-drug evidence.
Investigators said the recovered weighing scale and other paraphernalia are consistent with materials commonly associated with illegal drug activities and will form part of the evidence in the case.
The implementation of the search warrants was conducted in accordance with legal procedures and witnessed by Barangay Kagawad Abdulrahman S. Oyag of Barangay Mabini and Phoebe Vargas Gio, station manager of a local radio station, serving as required witnesses.
Following his arrest, Saripa was brought to the Malangas Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.
The confiscated suspected shabu has been turned over to the Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Forensic Unit for qualitative and quantitative laboratory examination, while the recovered firearm and ammunition will be presented as evidence in the criminal charges to be filed against the suspect.
PCOL Barnard Danie V. Dasugo, Provincial Director of the Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office, commended the operating units for the successful implementation of the search warrants and reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to intensifying its campaign against illegal drugs and loose firearms.
“This successful operation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting our communities from the threats posed by illegal drugs and unlicensed firearms. We will continue to strengthen intelligence-driven operations to ensure that offenders are held accountable. We urge the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting the Philippine National Police by reporting illegal activities in their communities,” Dasugo said.
The suspect is expected to face charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9165 and Republic Act No. 10591, while authorities continue their investigation into the source and possible distribution network of the confiscated suspected illegal drugs.