Authorities launch province-wide ‘Lambat Sibat’ operations in Zambo Sur

From Philippines
Jump to navigation Jump to search
→ → Go back HOME to Zamboanga: the Portal to the Philippines.
(PNA), FFCTPGJR/HIROHITO D. CADION

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Dec. 22 (PNA) -– The police backed by soldiers have arrested 67 people and confiscated 23 firearms in a two-day province-wide “Lambat Sibat” operations, an official announced.

The operations also netted 112 packs of different sizes of methamphetamine hydrochloride locally known as shabu, assorted prohibited drug paraphernalia and PHP25,000 proceeds on the trade of prohibited drugs.

Senior Supt. Michael Nicolas, provincial police director, told the Philippines News Agency the province-wide campaign carried out simultaneously on Saturday and Sunday totaled to 30 operations including five “one-time-big-time” operations.

This province comprises of one city--Pagadian--and 26 municipalities.

Nicolas said that two of the 67 people arrested are among the most wanted persons in this province and are considered high-value targets.

Nicolas said five of the 23 firearms they seized are classified as high-powered guns. Also seized were two grenades, two dynamites and assorted ammunition.

He said the province-wide law enforcement operations also dubbed as “Christmas Holidays and Happy Target Hardening” included the service of 28 search warrants, 14 arrest warrants, seven drug buy-busts and the conduct of two checkpoints.

He said the province-wide operation involved the deployment of 650 policemen and troops from the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion headed by Lt. Col. Alvin Luzon.

He added that the effective intelligence monitoring, case build-up, close coordination among the operating units and the active participation of the community led to the success of the operations.

He also encouraged the residents to assist them by way of providing timely information about criminal activities in their respective communities. All information will be treated with utmost confidentiality.

“Your safety is our utmost concern that’s why confidentiality is paramount,” he said.