AUTHORITIES have seized over P1 million worth of illegal drugs following a shootout and the arrest of a high-value target (HVT) suspect in an anti-drug operation in Zamboanga Sibugay province, an official said Friday, April 18, 2025.
Maharani Gadaoni-Tosoc, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Zamboanga Peninsula director, identified the arrested HVT as alias Mike, 35, a resident of Purok Adelfa, Libertad village, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Gadaoni-Tosoc said Mike was wounded after he resisted arrest and engaged authorities in a brief firefight during a buy-bust operation on the evening of Maundy Thursday, April 17, in Libertad village, Tungawan.
Responding Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel provided immediate medical assistance to Mike before he was brought to the nearest Rural Health Unit for further treatment.
Gadaoni-Tosoc said seized from the suspect were some 150 grams of suspected shabu worth P1,020,000, a bundle of boodle money topped with one genuine P1,000 marked money, a caliber .45 pistol with ammunition, a belt bag, a plastic bag, P600 cash, assorted identification cards, and several Automated Teller Machine cards.
She said charges will be filed against Mike for violation of Section 5, Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act 10591, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
She said the successful anti-drug operation was carried out by PDEA Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Office, in joint coordination with Tungawan Municipal Police Station, 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, and Regional Drug Enforcement Unit. (SunStar Zamboanga)
