By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.

BUSTED DUO. Police anti-drug operatives arrest two suspects and confiscate PHP3.7 million worth of shabu during a Wednesday morning (Feb. 5, 2025) operation in Barangay Kasanyangan, Zamboanga City. An unlicensed firearm and drug paraphernalia were also recovered. (Photo courtesy of ZCPO)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Two suspects were arrested and PHP3.7 million worth of shabu was seized during an anti-drug operation here Wednesday morning, authorities reported.

Col. Kimberly Molitas, acting director of the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO), identified the suspects as Cesar Manalo, 27, and Alkaber Bahari, 21.

Molitas said the suspects were apprehended at 6:15 a.m. in Sitio Asinan, Barangay Kasanyangan. Confiscated items included 550 grams of suspected shabu in 11 plastic sachets, a .38-caliber revolver, buy-bust money, and a backpack.

Police records showed that Manalo, a resident of Barangay Tugbungan, previously went viral on social media for brandishing a firearm to intimidate civilians. He faces drug charges and has an outstanding arrest warrant for grave threats. Bahari, a resident of Barangay Sinunuc, also faces drug-related charges.

In a separate operation Monday, joint forces from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and ZCPO dismantled a drug den in Sitio Picnic Ground, Barangay Tugbungan, arresting three suspects.

Seized items included PHP81,600 worth of shabu (12 grams), buy-bust money and drug paraphernalia.

These operations underscore intensified efforts to combat illegal drugs and criminal activity in the city. (PNA)