Zamboanga Peninsula – The Police Regional Office 9 (PRO 9) has demonstrated its growing resolve to fight criminality across the Zamboanga peninsula, arrestting 101 fugitives in just 11 days of intensified operations.
From September 1 to 11, PRO 9 and its operating units had carried out multiple synchronized law enforcement actions that led to the capture of the 25 Most Wanted Persons (MWPs) and 76 Other Wanted Persons (OWPs) across Zamboanga Peninsula and its four jurisdictions: Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Zamboanga City. Police units had confirmed that the efforts of the operations had included multiple fugitives with standing warrants of arrests, totaling to 101.
Regional Director Police Brigadier General Eleazar P. Matta said that the large-scale crackdown was due to close coordination between PRO 9, local police offices, and national support units, along with the combined efforts of crucial information from concerned citizens.
“These arrests are a testament to the professionalism and perseverance of our personnel,” Matta noted. “Behind every successful operation involves coordination of efforts that involve intelligence gathering, cooperation with national agencies, and the courage of ordinary residents who refuse to remain silent in the face of criminality.”
These 101 fugitives arrested had faced a range of charges, from theft and robbery to drug-related offenses, homicide, and other serious crimes that needed justice and intervention. According to PRO 9, each arrest removes a threat from the community and reinforces the message that evading justice is no longer an option.
PRO 9 and its intensified operations stem from the directives issued by the Philippine National Police leadership. Acting Chief, PNP, Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Naratarez Jr. has higlighted the importance of aggressive but lawful campaigns against major threats to peace and order of the general public.
“These successful operations are in line with the directives of our Acting Chief, PNP, who emphasized out steadfast commitment to the campaign against major threats,” Matta said. “I commend our operating units for their never-ending diligence, professionalism, and perseverence in ensuring the swift arrest of these wanted persons.” For PRO 9, the directive is more than a mandate, but a call to action in transforming the Zamboanga Peninsula into a zone of peace, security, and justice.
Police authorities emphasized that the recent success is also a product of strong collaboration with the public. Several of these fugitives and their captures had come from a series of tips and information provided by concerned citizens and vigilant bystanders who chose to work with law enforcement.
Matta stressed that while police operations are essential, they become more effective when communities actively participate. “Public vigilance empowers law enforcement. Every piece of information shared with us could mean another wanted person off the streets, another crime prevented, and another family spared from harm,” he added.
Authorities assured the public that this 11-day operation will continue its momentum. PRO 9 is preparing to sustain and expand its efforts, particularly against high-value targets and organized criminal groups. This enhanced collaboration and tactics of intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency partnerships, and visible police presence are expected to remain the pillars to keep this campaign strong.
At the same time, the police leadership reaffirmed its adherence to the rule of law. PRO 9 emphasized that the operations are carried out with respect for human rights and due process, ensuring that suspects are held accountable without compromising legal standards.
The Regional Director expressed his gratitude to local government units, partner agencies, and the people of the Zamboanga Peninsula for their continued support of the PNP and its mission.
“This achievement not only highlights the capacity of our police units, but also the resilience and cooperation of our local communities,” Matta said. “Together, we are building safer provinces where families can live without fear. These operations highlight a core message, justice may be delayed, but it will never be denied.”
As PRO 9 continues on with its intensified drive, residents of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Zamboanga City can expect continued police presence and action to ensure peace, order, and accountability across the regions of the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Mikaila Abrinica, September 15, 2025