CAMP COL ROMEO A ABENDAN, Zamboanga City, Philippines — Police Regional Office (PRO) 9 recorded significant operational accomplishments in October 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 164 anti-illegal drug operations, resulting in the arrest of 177 drug personalities. Authorities seized 3487.852 grams of shabu valued at ₱23,717,393.60 and 2 grams of marijuana worth ₱240.00 with a total estimated value of ₱ 23,717,633.60
The intensified campaign against loose firearms likewise yielded notable results. A total of 250 operations were conducted, leading to the arrest of 15 individuals and the recovery of 267 firearms through confiscation, surrender, capture, surrendered and abandonment and 29 firearms Turned In for Safekeeping.
In the fight against illegal gambling, police units conducted 389 operations, resulting in the arrest of 1,077 individuals and the confiscation of gambling paraphernalia and bet money amounting to ₱ 170,967.00
Meanwhile, anti-smuggling operations remained vigorous, with 220 operations conducted, leading to the arrest of 196 individuals and the seizure of smuggled goods valued at ₱47,511,373.64
Additionally, intensified manhunt operations resulted in the arrest of 182 wanted persons, comprising 73 Most Wanted Persons and 109 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 19 individuals listed under the Non-Periodic Status Report as members of Communist Terrorist Groups.
“PRO 9 will remain firm and relentless in enforcing the law, suppressing criminality, and holding offenders accountable. We will not tolerate illegal activities and will continue to pursue law violators through decisive, disciplined, and lawful police operations to protect lives, property, and maintain peace and order throughout 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.
