ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Police Regional Office (PRO) 9 recorded significant operational accomplishments in September 2026, underscoring its commitment to combating criminality, maintaining peace and order, and ensuring public safety throughout the Zamboanga Peninsula and Sulu Province
Under the leadership of Police Brigadier General Elmer E Ragay, Regional Director, PRO 9, police units across the region intensified law enforcement operations against illegal drugs, loose firearms, illegal gambling, smuggling, and wanted persons.
In its campaign against illegal drugs, PRO 9 conducted 170 anti-illegal drug operations, resulting in the arrest of 190 drug personalities. Authorities seized 975.337 grams of shabu valued at ₱ 6,632,291.60 and 25 grams of marijuana worth ₱ 3,000.00 with a total estimated value of ₱ 6,635,291.60
The intensified campaign against loose firearms likewise yielded notable results. A total of 261 operations were conducted, leading to the arrest of 13 individuals and the recovery of 342 firearms through confiscation, surrender, capture, surrendered and abandonment.
In the fight against illegal gambling, police units conducted 437 operations, resulting in the arrest of 1,238 individuals and the confiscation of gambling paraphernalia and bet money amounting to ₱ 200,266.00
Meanwhile, anti-smuggling operations remained vigorous, with 264 operations conducted, leading to the arrest of 214 individuals and the seizure of smuggled goods valued at ₱65,501,201.67
Additionally, intensified manhunt operations resulted in the arrest of 215 wanted persons, comprising 91 Most Wanted Persons and 142 Other Wanted Persons, further strengthening the region’s efforts to uphold the rule of law and deliver justice.
In support of the government’s Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, PRO 9 also facilitated the voluntary surrender of 23 individuals listed under the Non-Periodic Status Report as supporters of Communist Terrorist Groups.
“These accomplishments underscore PRO 9 firm commitment to enforcing the law, holding offenders accountable, and maintaining peace and order throughout the region. We will not relent in our efforts to prevent and suppress criminality, protect the public, and ensure that those who violate the law are held accountable in accordance with due process. PRO 9 remains resolute in its mandate to safeguard lives and property and deliver disciplined, decisive, and accountable police service to the people of the Zamboanga Peninsula and Sulu Province,” PBGen Ragay said.
PRO 9 remains steadfast in supporting the Chief, PNP Focused Agenda and will continue strengthening law enforcement operations, crime prevention initiatives, and community partnerships to build safer, more secure, and more peaceful communities throughout region 9. (PIO, PRO 9)
