Photo credit to PDEA Sibugay
₱3.4M Shabu Seized in Zamboanga Sibugay Buy-Bust; Fleeing Suspects Cornered Near Zamboanga City
Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay - Authorities successfully conducted a buy-bust operation on the evening of March 31, 2026, resulting in the arrest of two drug suspects and the seizure of illegal drugs valued at approximately ₱3.4 million.
The operation took place at around 8:50 PM in Purok Tubigan, Barangay Veterans Village, Ipil. It was led by elements of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Office, in coordination with multiple units including local police and military forces.
Authorities confiscated approximately 500 grams of suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) contained in a self-sealing plastic bag. The illegal substance has an estimated street value of ₱1 million and a standard value of ₱3.4 million.
In addition to the drugs, several non-drug items were recovered during the operation. These included boodle money used in the buy-bust, a black Mitsubishi Montero vehicle, a caliber .45 firearm with magazine, mobile phone, identification cards, and other personal belongings.
Two male suspects were initially arrested during the operation. The first suspect, 31 years old and a ride-hailing driver from Cavite, was taken into custody without incident. The second suspect, a 32-year-old resident of Quezon City, sustained injuries and was brought to RTLIM Family Hospital in Zamboanga Sibugay for treatment.
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However, in a dramatic turn of events, reports from witnesses say that shortly after the operation was declared, the suspects managed to escape from the area and fled toward Zamboanga City.
The PDEA immediately coordinated with police stations in RT Lim and Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay, leading to the rapid establishment of checkpoints along possible escape routes. Despite this, the fleeing suspects reportedly rammed through barricades and continued their escape.
The pursuit extended into the boundary of Zamboanga City and Zamboanga Sibugay, where a stronger police presence had already established tighter checkpoints. The suspects were eventually cornered in the Licomo area, where authorities successfully prevented further escape.
The suspects are facing charges for violations of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).
The operation was witnessed by a media representative and elected official Rogen M. Pareja, ensuring transparency in the conduct of the procedure.
All operating personnel were reported safe and accounted for following the operation, as authorities continue to intensify anti-illegal drug operations in the region to combat the spread of prohibited substances.
