ZAMBOANGA CITY — September 12, 2026 — Two persons were arrested Saturday morning after police and other law enforcement personnel implemented a search warrant at a residence in Zone 6, Barangay Mercedes, this city.
The operation was carried out by personnel of Zamboanga City Police Station 4 (Culianan), led by Police Major Mohamar Mariwa, in coordination with personnel from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9 (RMFB9) and the 1st Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company (1st ZCMFC).
During the implementation of the search warrant, authorities reportedly recovered a revolver, an M16 rifle magazine loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition, and several cartons of cigarettes believed by authorities to have been smuggled or illegally imported.
The seized items were taken into police custody for proper documentation and disposition as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities are expected to determine the ownership, legality, and circumstances surrounding the possession of the firearms and ammunition, as well as the source and legal status of the confiscated cigarettes.
The operation resulted in the arrest of two individuals who were present during the implementation of the search warrant. Police said appropriate charges are being prepared against the arrested persons based on the evidence recovered during the operation.
The seizure of the firearms and ammunition may also place the suspects under scrutiny for possible violations of firearms and ammunition laws, depending on the results of the investigation and the validity of the warrant and other evidence presented before the proper authorities.
Meanwhile, the cigarettes will likewise be subject to verification to establish whether they were indeed smuggled and whether the persons arrested had any connection to their possession, storage, distribution or sale.
Police authorities have yet to release the identities of the two arrested individuals and the complete details of the search warrant, including the specific offenses for which it was issued.
The operation forms part of continuing law-enforcement efforts in Zamboanga City to address the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and the movement of potentially illicit goods.
Authorities reminded the public that possession of firearms, ammunition and other contraband without the required legal authority may result in criminal charges. However, the allegations against the arrested individuals remain subject to investigation and the determination of the appropriate prosecutorial and judicial authorities.