ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Two men from Cotabato City were arrested by authorities after they were caught transporting high-powered firearms during a checkpoint operation in Zamboanga City on Thursday night.
Police identified the suspects as 23-year-old Faizal Sambulawan Lumenda and 33-year-old Shariff Abas Matli. Both are currently detained and facing charges for illegal possession of firearms in violation of Republic Act 10591, according to officials from the Zamboanga City Police Office and the Police Regional Office 9.
Checkpoint Chase Leads to Arrest
Initial police reports said the suspects were on board a black Mitsubishi Xpander with plate number NIF-5400, which they allegedly rented, when they encountered a police checkpoint around Kilometer 4 in Barangay Santa Maria. The checkpoint was jointly manned by operatives from Police Station 7 and troops from the 1st Marine Rifle Battalion.
Instead of stopping, the suspects reportedly sped away upon noticing the checkpoint, prompting police and Marines to launch a pursuit operation. The chase ended at the Zamora Intersection in Barangay Pasonanca, where the vehicle was intercepted.
Authorities said the two men did not resist arrest and voluntarily surrendered after being stopped.
High-Powered Rifles Seized
During a search of the vehicle conducted in the presence of local officials, authorities discovered three military-type combat rifles inside the car. The confiscated weapons included two 7.62 M14 rifles and one 5.56 HK416 rifle, all reportedly without proper documentation.
Police believe the firearms were intended to be delivered to an undisclosed location within the city, though investigators are still working to determine the origin of the weapons and whether they are linked to other criminal activities.
Ongoing Investigation
Officials said the suspects were immediately brought to a police detention facility in Zamboanga City, where they remain under custody while formal charges are being prepared.
Brig. Gen. Edwin A. Quilates, regional director of the Police Regional Office 9, said authorities are continuing their investigation to identify possible accomplices and determine the purpose behind transporting the high-powered firearms.
Law enforcement authorities also emphasized the importance of sustained checkpoint operations across the region, noting that such efforts have been crucial in intercepting illegal weapons and preventing potential violence.