Investigators scrutinize 16 individuals, seize firearms on a ship
Sixteen Individuals Under Investigation After High-Powered Firearms Seizure in Zamboanga del Norte
After a wooden-hulled vessel was intercepted and a stash of weapons were discovered, authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation. On May 3, 2025, officials announced that they have placed 16 individuals under investigation in Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines, following the seizure of high-powered firearms and ammunition.
Initially spotted around 10:40 a.m. on Thursday, May 1, the vessel was apprehended at Sitio Dulongin, Matiag village, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte. Police Brigadier General Roel Rodolfo, the Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula director, confirmed the incident in a statement, assuring that the identities of the individuals involved are being withheld pending further legal proceedings.
In coordination with military forces, a joint maritime search operation was launched due to the vessel's suspicious behavior. The authorities noted that the wooden-hulled vessel had dropped anchor in an area that is not designated as an anchorage zone.
The investigation led to the retrieval of three high-powered firearms, including an M-14 rifle, an M-16 Armalite rifle, and a caliber .45 pistol, as well as an assortment of ammunition. Rodolfo emphasized the importance of this operation, stating that it demonstrates the commitment and collaboration between law enforcement agencies in ensuring public safety throughout the Zamboanga Peninsula.
The incident underscores the region's ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and eliminate illegal weapons from communities. As such, incidents like this one contribute to the broader narrative of security efforts aimed at reducing illegal activities, particularly in maritime areas.
The development comes at a time when Zamboanga del Norte, part of the Mindanao region, continues to face security challenges related to armed groups and smuggling activities. Monitoring future updates will provide insights into the progress of the ongoing investigation and any additional measures implemented in response to this incident.
Stay informed with the latest updates from Zamboanga as the story unfolds.
- The seizure of high-powered firearms and ammunition in Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines, in May 2025, led to 16 individuals being placed under investigation.
- The wooden-hulled vessel, which was intercepted near Sitio Dulongin, Matiag village, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, was found to contain three high-powered firearms and an assortment of ammunition.
- Police Brigadier General Roel Rodolfo, the Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula director, confirmed the incident and emphasized the importance of this operation in ensuring public safety throughout the Zamboanga Peninsula.
- The ongoing investigation in Zamboanga del Norte is part of the region's wider efforts to dismantle criminal networks and eliminate illegal weapons from communities, contributing to the broader narrative of security efforts aimed at reducing illegal activities, particularly in maritime areas.
