NAGA, Zamboanga Sibugay — A 32-year-old fisherman was arrested after police implemented two search warrants at his residence in Barangay Bangkaw-Bangkaw, Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay, resulting in the seizure of suspected shabu and a .45-caliber pistol with ammunition on August 28, 2026.
The arrested suspect was identified only as alias “Baser,” 32, married, a fisherman, and a resident of Purok Buton, Barangay Bangkaw-Bangkaw.
The operation was conducted by personnel of the Naga Municipal Police Station (MPS) under the leadership of Police Captain Jilbert T. Escobin, Officer-in-Charge, following the issuance of two separate search warrants by the Regional Trial Court of the Ninth Judicial Region, Branch 24 in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Police implemented Search Warrant No. 328 in connection with an alleged violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Search Warrant No. 329 for an alleged violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Both warrants were issued by Presiding Judge Anthony D. T. Isaw on August 25, 2026.
Suspected shabu worth more than ₱100,000 seized
During the search of the residence, police reportedly recovered five medium-sized and one small-sized heat-sealed sachets containing a substance suspected to be shabu.
Authorities placed the estimated combined weight of the suspected illegal drugs at approximately 15 grams, with a reported standard drug price of ₱102,000.
Police also recovered several items allegedly associated with the possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs. These included transparent cellophane, aluminum foil, a tother, a rechargeable lighter, scissors, a wallet, a plastic container, and a black sling bag.
The items were taken into custody as part of the evidence gathered during the implementation of the search warrant.
.45 pistol and ammunition also recovered
Inside the black sling bag, authorities reportedly found a caliber .45 pistol, along with one .45 pistol magazine.
Police also recovered 12 live rounds of .45-caliber hard-ball ammunition and one live .45-caliber reload ammunition.
The recovery of the firearm and ammunition prompted their inclusion in the evidence in relation to the search warrant issued under RA 10591, which regulates the ownership, possession, acquisition, and carrying of firearms and ammunition in the Philippines.
Following the discovery of the items, police said the suspect was informed of his constitutional rights before he was handcuffed.
An inventory of the seized evidence was then conducted in the presence of a barangay official and a member of the media, in accordance with the procedures for the documentation and handling of seized items.
Suspect turned over to Naga police
Alias “Baser” was brought to the Naga MPS for proper disposition and the initiation of appropriate legal proceedings.
The seized evidence will be presented before the court that issued the search warrants as part of the ongoing legal process.
Meanwhile, the suspected illegal drugs will undergo quantitative and qualitative examination at the Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Forensic Unit – Liloy Satellite Office to determine their exact composition and weight.
The police operation underscores the continuing campaign against illegal drugs and unauthorized firearms in communities across Zamboanga Sibugay.
Authorities, however, emphasized through the legal process that the confiscated substance remains suspected shabu until confirmed by forensic examination, while the allegations against the arrested individual will be subject to the appropriate judicial proceedings.
As the case moves forward, the suspect remains entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.