ZAMBOANGA CITY — Police authorities have arrested a suspected gunrunner in this city and seized from his hideout about 10 different calibers of firearms during the implementation of a Search Warrant (SW).

Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) Director P/Col. Fidel Fortaleza Jr., said yesterday the police conducted the search for undocumented firearms at the hideout of Joey Pinkian Perez located at Zone 9-B, Barangay Zambowood at about 10:40 a.m. on Labor Day.

Fortaleza said the Intelligence Unit and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit of ZCPO conducted the search after the court granted them an SW.

Seized from the residence of Perez were three .45 caliber pistols: a .32 pistol, a .25 pistol: an Intratec .9mm Luger: a Cobray M-11 9mm: an M1 carbine: an air rifle and a damaged air rifle.

According to Fortaleza, the search for firearms and ammunition was a result of a tip the police received from a civilian informing them that different calibers of firearms are stored at the hideout of Perez.

This operation underscores the unwavering commitment and collaboration among law enforcement agencies and civilians to uphold justice and ensure the safety of the public throughout the city.

Police Regional Office for Zamboanga Peninsula (PRO-9) Director Brig. Gen. Roel Rodolfo said, “I congratulate Zamboanga City Police Office for this successful operation.”

Adding “The operation may serve as a warning to would-be violators that the police in the city and the region are committed to combating illegal activities and ensuring the safety of the community.”