LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur — A joint intelligence-driven buy-bust operation conducted by the Philippine National Police and military forces led to the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of high-powered firearms in Barangay New Labangan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur, authorities reported.
The operation was carried out along the National Highway in Purok Lawis under the direct supervision of Police Colonel Joseph L. Ortega, Force Commander, and led by Police Captain Telmigi H. Majuk, Company Commander of the 902nd Mobile Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9 (RMFB9).
Authorities said the successful operation stemmed from weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance aimed at dismantling the illegal firearms trade operating within the province. The coordinated effort involved personnel from RMFB9, the Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC), and local police units.
The suspects were apprehended on June 19 while allegedly attempting to complete an illegal firearms transaction. During the operation, law enforcement personnel confiscated two caliber 5.56mm Remington rifles, a cache of live ammunition, marked money and boodle money used in the entrapment operation, and the vehicle allegedly used to transport the firearms.
Investigators believe the firearms were intended for unlawful distribution, posing a significant threat to peace and security in the area.
“This is exactly what happens when our intelligence networks and ground units sync up. We aren’t just seizing guns; we are hitting the supply chains that threaten the peace of Zamboanga del Sur,” a military source said.
Authorities emphasized that the operation represents a major blow to the proliferation of loose firearms in the province and underscores the government’s intensified campaign against illegal weapons.
The arrested suspects, whose identities have not yet been disclosed pending further investigation, are currently detained at the Labangan Municipal Police Station. They are undergoing documentation and legal processing for the filing of appropriate charges for violations of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Police officials highlighted that the successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-based law enforcement efforts and inter-agency cooperation in combating criminal activities.
In a statement, RMFB9 reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and order, strengthening public safety, and preventing the spread of illegal firearms across communities in Western Mindanao.
“The successful outcome of this operation reflects our unwavering commitment to enforcing the law and protecting our communities from threats posed by loose firearms,” authorities said.
Meanwhile, the Western Mindanao Naval Command vowed to sustain its aggressive campaign against illegal firearms and criminal networks operating in the region. The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing information that could help authorities identify and dismantle illegal activities.
“Your information is our most effective weapon. If you see something, say something. Together, we can keep Western Mindanao secure,” the command stated.
Authorities said further investigations are underway to determine the source and intended recipients of the seized firearms, as well as to identify other individuals who may be involved in the illegal arms trade network.