The Police Regional Office 9 (PRO 9), under the leadership of Police Brigadier General Eleazar P. Matta has been consistent in its intensified campaign against smuggling and other illicit activities across the Zamboanga peninsula and other nearby provinces, ensuring that the region remains free from any possible threat posed by these illegal activities.
On September 12, 2025, at around 3:00 PM, the Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company successfully intercepted an unmanned shipment of alleged smuggled cigarettes during an operation in the waters of Sacol and Manalipa Islands. The operation yielded 445 cases of Fort cigarettes, with an estimated market value of Php25,498,500.00. The confiscated contraband was immediately turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Port of Zamboanga for proper disposition.
PBGen Matta lauded the successful operation and emphasized the importance of sustained anti-smuggling efforts in the region. “This successful operation is a testament to the dedication of our personnel to protect our economic borders and uphold the rule of law. We will continue to collaborate closely with the Bureau of Customs and other government agencies to intensify our intelligence-driven patrols and dismantle smuggling syndicates operating in the Zamboanga Peninsula. Our commitment to securing our region from illicit activities remains steadfast,” he said.
Four days later, the joint operatives of the City Drug Enforcement Unit of Zamboanga City Police Office under the supervision of Police Colonel Fidel B. Fortaleza, Jr., together with the Regional Intelligence Unit 9 and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency had confiscated Php8,970,000 worth of illegal drugs following the arrest of a High-Value Individual (HVI) on September 16 at a motel in Barangay Putik, Zamboanga City.
The arrested HVI, identified as alias “Moadz,” is a 32-year-old male resident of Barangay Baliwasan, Zamboanga City. Investigations revealed that the suspect had prior involvement in various drug-related cases in the region. He will face charges for violation of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Acting Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), considered the said accomplishment a major breakthrough of PRO 9’s intensive efforts against illegal drugs.
“Under the strong leadership of President Marcos Jr., our intensified operations are more focused and empowered, ensuring that every corner of the nation is shielded from the deadly effects of illegal drugs. This arrest is a testament to our unwavering resolve to bring offenders to justice,” PLtGen Nartatez said.
Through sustained operations and strengthened community partnerships, PN continues to advance President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision of a safe, peaceful, and crime-free Philippines.
