AUTHORITIES have arrested 34 individuals for various offenses in Zamboanga Sibugay as they launched intensified law enforcement efforts dubbed as “Huli Week” despite they were preoccupied in rendering security during the Holy Week observance.
Police Colonel Barnard Danie Dasugo, Zamboanga Sibugay police director, on Monday, April 21, 2025, said that three wanted persons, including one listed as top most wanted were arrested in the intensified law enforcement operations.
Dasugo said one was arrested in anti-smuggling operation and another one in anti-drug operation. Nine people were arrested for anti-illegal fishing and 20 in anti-gambling operations.
“We are pleased to report the safe observance of Holy Week, while we’re intensifying our law enforcement operation dubbed as ‘Huli Week’,” Dasugo said in a a statement.
He said the observance of the Holy Week in Zamboanga Sibugay was generally peaceful and orderly, a testament to the dedication and effectiveness of its personnel.
He said the success was achieved through a combination of proactive security measures, strong community engagement, and continuous operational activities.
He said policemen were deployed to Catholic churches, transportation hubs, tourists spots, and other areas of convergence, ensuring a visible presence and a sense of security coupled with active engagement with the community, fostering strong public cooperation and collaboration.
He said this was further reinforced by round-the-clock red teaming inspections.
“I commend every police officer, our Force Multipliers, for your unparalleled dedication to upholding peace and order and the community. Our strong partnerships, combined with security measures, have contributed to these successes,” Dasugo added.
Meanwhile, Dasugo awarded on Monday, April 21, a Letter of Commendation to Police Captain Arnold Tolentino, Siay municipal police chief, for acquiring the highest rate in serving warrant of arrest among 16 municipal police stations from September 2024 to April 2025.
Police Lieutenant Alan Zamora, officer-in-charge of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company and Police Staff Sergeant Nonon Becera received a Letter of Commendation for successfully arresting the top 3 most wanted person (municipal level).
The simple awarding ceremony was held after Monday’s traditional flag ceremony at the headquarters of Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office in Ipil town. (SunStar Zamboanga)