AUTHORITIES have placed 16 people under investigation after they intercepted a wooden-hulled vessel and seized high-powered firearms and ammunition in Zamboanga del Norte, the police said Saturday, May 3, 2025.
Police Brigadier General Roel Rodolfo, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula director, said the wooden-hulled vessel was intercepted around 10:40 a.m. Thursday, May 1, in Sitio Dulongin, Matiag village, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.
“The individuals on board are currently undergoing verification and investigation. Their identities are being withheld pending further legal procedures,” Rodolfo said in a statement.
The police in coordination with the military launched a joint maritime search operation after they noted the wooden-hulled vessel dropped anchor in Dulongin beach which is not an anchorage area.
Rodolfo said seized from the vessel were three high-powered firearms that include an M-14 rifle, an M-16 Armalite rifle, and a caliber .45 pistol as well as assorted ammunitions.
“This successful operation underscores the unwavering commitment and collaboration among law enforcement agencies to uphold justice and ensure the safety of the public throughout the Zamboanga Peninsula,” he said.
“It also reflects the intensified initiatives of PRO-Zamboanga Peninsula to dismantle criminal networks and eliminate illegal weapons from communities,” he added. (SunStar Zamboanga)