OLUTANGA, Zamboanga Sibugay — A joint law enforcement operation in Olutanga, Zamboanga Sibugay, resulted in the arrest of an adult male suspect and the confiscation of suspected shabu and a loaded .45-caliber pistol during the implementation of a search warrant for an alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The operation was conducted in Purok 1, Barangay Esperanza, Olutanga, with the Olutanga Municipal Police Station (MPS) serving as the lead unit, in coordination with personnel of the 903rd Maneuver Company (903rd MC), Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9 (RMFB9).
The operation was carried out through the implementation of a search warrant issued in connection with an alleged violation of the country’s firearms law.
During the search, law enforcement personnel recovered approximately one gram of suspected shabu, with an estimated Standard Drug Price (SDP) of ₱6,800, along with a .45-caliber Norinco pistol loaded with three live rounds of ammunition.
Other items believed to be related to the alleged offenses were also confiscated during the operation.
Authorities said the seizure of the firearm and ammunition was particularly significant as the search warrant was issued in connection with an alleged violation of RA 10591, which regulates the possession, acquisition, manufacture, sale and use of firearms and ammunition in the Philippines.
The suspected illegal drug evidence, meanwhile, will undergo laboratory examination to determine its chemical composition and confirm whether it is indeed methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu.
The confiscated suspected drug items are set to be submitted to the Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Forensic Unit for qualitative and quantitative examination.
The arrested suspect and the other confiscated evidence were brought to the Olutanga MPS for documentation, proper disposition and the filing of appropriate charges.
The operation was conducted by personnel under the direct supervision of PCPT Brittney Karl T. Magsalay, Company Commander of the 903rd MC, together with the Olutanga MPS as lead unit.
PCOL Barnard Danie V. Dasugo, Provincial Director of the Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office, commended the operating personnel and participating units for the coordinated implementation of the search warrant.
Dasugo said the operation underscores the police force’s continuing efforts to address the illegal drug trade and the proliferation of loose and unauthorized firearms in the province.
“This operation reflects our continuing commitment to intensify our campaign against illegal drugs and unauthorized firearms in the province. I commend our personnel and partner units for their professionalism, coordination, and adherence to established procedures in carrying out this operation. We will continue to pursue law enforcement efforts that protect our communities while ensuring that every operation is conducted within the bounds of the law.”
The police provincial office said it will continue to intensify operations against illegal drugs, loose firearms and unauthorized possession of firearms and ammunition, while coordinating with other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders.
Authorities emphasized that the confiscated suspected shabu remains subject to forensic examination, while the circumstances surrounding the possession of the firearm and other seized items will form part of the investigation and appropriate legal proceedings.
The suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.