Two members of a criminal group were arrested during separate law enforcement operations in Zambales on 26 September, according to police.

The Zambales Police Provincial Office (ZPPO) said the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), with assistance from the San Antonio Municipal Police Station (MPS), Zambales Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU), and Zambales Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, conducted two operations in San Antonio town based on search warrants for illegal possession of firearms.

The operations targeted alias “Jak” in Barangay Luna and alias “Dags” in Barangay Burgos.

Police failed to apprehend Jak, who was identified as the alleged leader of the group, but seized several firearms and ammunition from his residence.

The confiscated items included an Armscor .45-caliber pistol, an S&W .45-caliber pistol, a Rhoner Sportwaffen Fabrik 8mm pistol, a .38-caliber revolver, and an air rifle converted to .22 caliber and fitted with a scope. Police also recovered assorted ammunition and other firearm-related items.

At Dags’ residence, police arrested the suspect and seized a .38-caliber revolver loaded with four live rounds, a grenade, and assorted ammunition.

Meanwhile, the Cabangan MPS conducted a separate anti-illegal drug operation targeting another alleged member of the group who was also identified by police as a drug personality.

Police arrested alias “Kags” in Barangay Anonang, Cabangan, Zambales, on the same day.

Authorities seized 1.61 grams of suspected shabu, 30.1 grams of marijuana, a .38-caliber revolver, and four live rounds of ammunition from Kags, police said.

Zambales Police Provincial Director Col. Benjamin P. Ariola confirmed that the suspects are members of the criminal group allegedly responsible for a series of crimes in the province.