IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay — Two brothers identified by police as a High-Value Target (HVT) and a Street-Level Individual (SLI) were arrested after authorities seized more than 56 grams of suspected shabu and two firearms during a major anti-drug operation in Barangay Tenan, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, on August 8, 2026.
The operation, described by police as an intelligence-driven and coordinated effort against illegal drug activities, resulted in the recovery of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price of ₱380,800, along with firearms, ammunition, marked money and other items allegedly connected to the drug transaction.
Arrested were Marvin, 30, a driver and identified HVT, and his brother Jamil, 37, unemployed and classified as an SLI. Both are reportedly residents of Barangay Tenan, where the operation was conducted.
The operation was led by the Ipil Municipal Police Station Drug Enforcement Team, under the supervision of PMAJ Marjan M. Sali, Chief of Police, in coordination with the PDEA Regional Office IX–Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Office, 55th Special Action Company, 5th Special Action Battalion of the PNP Special Action Force, CIDG Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Field Unit, and the 2nd Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Mobile Force Company.
Five sachets of suspected shabu recovered
Police said the operation yielded five sachets of suspected shabu. One of the packets was reportedly the drug item involved in the buy-bust transaction, while four other packets were allegedly recovered from the suspects’ possession.
The total weight of the suspected illegal drugs was placed at more than 56 grams, with authorities estimating their value at ₱380,800 based on the standard drug price.
Also recovered during the operation were ₱500 in marked money, allegedly used in the buy-bust transaction.
The operation likewise resulted in the seizure of two firearms — a .38-caliber revolver and a .45-caliber pistol — as well as ammunition, fired cartridge cases, an empty magazine, a holster, a black belt bag and a brown sling bag.
The seizure of the firearms adds another layer to the case as investigators determine whether the weapons were legally registered and whether they were being carried or used in connection with the suspects’ alleged drug activities.
Intelligence-led operation targets suspected drug network
The successful arrest highlights the continuing campaign of the Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office (ZSBPPO) against illegal drugs, particularly operations targeting individuals classified as high-value personalities within the illegal drug trade.
Police said the operation was carried out through sustained intelligence gathering and close coordination among law enforcement agencies.
ZSBPPO Provincial Director PCOL Barnard Danie V. Dasugo commended the operating units for the successful operation, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency coordination in dismantling drug networks operating in the province.
Dasugo said the operation demonstrated the provincial police office’s continuing determination to pursue individuals involved in the illegal drug trade and bring them before the courts.
He also stressed that authorities would continue to strengthen intelligence-based operations targeting high-value individuals and other personalities involved in illegal drug activities.
According to Dasugo, the campaign is not limited to arrests and seizures but is also intended to protect communities and families from the destructive effects of illegal drugs, particularly young people who are considered among the most vulnerable to drug-related harm.
Suspects face drug and firearms charges
The suspected shabu seized during the operation will be submitted to the Zamboanga Sibugay Forensic Unit for laboratory examination to determine its chemical composition and confirm whether it is methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu.
The two suspects were brought to the Ipil Municipal Police Station for proper disposition and the preparation of appropriate criminal charges.
They are expected to face charges for alleged violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, in connection with the possession and alleged sale of illegal drugs.
They may also face charges under Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, in connection with the firearms and ammunition recovered during the operation, subject to the findings of investigators and prosecutors.
The arrests and seizures remain allegations at this stage, and the suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Police urge public to remain vigilant
The ZSBPPO reiterated its appeal to residents to cooperate with law enforcement authorities by reporting suspicious activities that may be linked to illegal drug operations or other criminal activities.
Police officials said information from the community remains critical in identifying and tracking individuals involved in the illegal drug trade, particularly those operating discreetly within residential communities.
The latest operation forms part of the province’s continuing campaign to disrupt the supply and distribution of illegal drugs and prevent drug-related activities from taking deeper root in local communities.
Authorities said they will continue conducting intelligence-driven operations and coordinating with partner agencies to pursue suspected drug personalities while strengthening efforts to keep communities in Zamboanga Sibugay safe, peaceful and free from illegal drugs.