The Police Regional Office 9 (PRO 9) under the leadership of Police Brigadier General Eleazar P. Matta, Regional Director, scored a major victory in the campaign against illegal drugs following a successful operation conducted on August 19 2025, that led to the arrest of two newly listed High-Value Individuals (HVIs) and the seizure of a massive drug haul.
The operation was spearheaded by the operatives of the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit 9 (RDEU 9), in close coordination with the Zamboanga City Police Station 3 (ZCPS 3); the 902nd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 9; the PNP Drug Enforcement Group Special Operations Unit (PDEG-SOU); the Regional Highway Patrol Unit 9 (RHPU 9); the Lamitan Police Station of Police Regional Office BAR; the Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC), Naval Intelligence and Security Group–Naval Special Operations Unit (Philippine Navy); the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)–Zamboanga City Office; and the Marine Battalion Landing Team–12, 1st Maneuver Company (Philippine Navy).
The joint operatives carried out the said anti-illegal drugs operation in Zone 1, Barangay Bunguiao, Zamboanga City at around 8:30 in the evening which resulted to the arrest of a 46-year-old male resident of Divisoria, Zamboanga City, who is considered as a newly listed HVI; together with a 31-year-old female resident of Banale, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur. Seized from their possession were approximately 67 kilograms of suspected shabu with an estimated street market value of Php455,600,000.00. The confiscated contraband was immediately turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit 9 for laboratory examination, while the suspects were brought to the Zamboanga City Police Office Headquarters for proper disposition and filing of charges.
This accomplishment is in line with the intensified anti-illegal drugs thrust of the Philippine National Police (PNP) through continuous precision-targeted operations against drug syndicates, HVIs, and even street-level offenders. It was one of the largest interdictions recorded in the region, reflecting the organization’s determined efforts to dismantle drug syndicates, safeguard communities, and protect future generations from the threats of illegal drugs all throughout the country.
PBGen Matta commended the operation’s resounding success, citing the effective collaboration among the police operatives, military, and partner agencies.
“This significant seizure delivers a clear message to those who attempt to spread the scourge of illegal drugs in our region, we will find you; we will stop you, and we will ensure that you are held accountable. PRO 9 remains resolute in its commitment to safeguard the communities of the Zamboanga Peninsula and to uphold our mission of a drug-free region,” said PBGen Matta.
With the 7-Point Agenda of Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Acting Chief, PNP, the Nation’s Peacekeeper will sustain its operational efforts particularly in the campaign against illegal drugs, loose firearms, and terrorism, among others.
