A VILLAGE official and his relative were caught in possession of illegal drugs and unlicensed firearms in a law enforcement operation in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, the police reported Thursday, August 29.

Police Major Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula information officer, identified the arrested suspects as Tikbuan Lagayan Gumaga, 61, a village councilor of Bongon, Sirawai; and, his nephew, Kaduh Muadi Gumaga, 24, a tricycle driver.

Galvez said the two were arrested in a law enforcement operation by way of service of search warrants around 5:30 a.m., Wednesday, in the village of Bongon, Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.

Galvez said confiscated from the village official were 10 heat-sealed plastic sachets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as “shabu,” a caliber .45 pistol with ammunition, a fragmentation grenade, and ammunition of a 12-guage shotgun.

She said seized from the younger Gamaga were 14 heat-sealed plastic sachets of suspected shabu, a caliber .45 pistol and a caliber .38 revolver with ammunition, a rifle grenade, a disposable lighter and a pack of cigarette.

She said appropriate charges are set to be filed against the suspects, who were detained. (SunStar Philippines)