Be informed that at about 10:00 AM of September 17, 2020, Personnel from PDEA-Zamboanga del Norte, together with the Operatives of RDEU9-Zamboanga del Norte led by PCAPT. XYRONNE CARONAN, personnel from 2nd ZNPMFC led by PLTCOL. JASON M. APANA and Intel Operatives of Katipunan Municipal Police Station (MPS) led by PMAJ. VINCENT M VIRTUDAZO, jointly conducted drug buy-bust operation at Purok Central, Brgy. Malugas, Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte that resulted to the neutralization of suspect, Arbeb Cenas Batinggal, Male, single with live-in partner, and temporarily residing at Purok 2, Barangay San Vicente, Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte, who was further classified as Provincial level High Value Target (HVT) of PDEA; as well as, Leader of BM 29 Group with previous Criminal Records on Murder and Frustrated Murder Cases.
During the said operation, a short firefight ensued as the suspect sensed that he was already transacting with a PDEA Operatives in the person of Agent Fidel Calantoc who acted as Poseur Buyer and drew his pistol then open fired upon Agent Calantoc hitting his worn bulletproof vest. Said agent managed to return fire towards the said suspect hitting on his lower abdominal region which had instantaneously pinned him down.
Recovered during the said operation were: three heat sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, including the buy bust evidence; four pcs. of medium size sachets containing crushed plant materials believed to be of Cannabis Sativa otherwise known as “Marijuana”; 9MM caliber pistol Glock 19, without serial number with magazine inserted bearing 9 pcs live ammunition; One pc. MK2 hand grenade; Two pcs. 100 peso bill (₱ 200) with serial number EF138081 and DV662766 as buy bust money.
Estimated value of Confiscated Drug Items reaches a total of more or less ₱ 25,000.00.
The suspect was immediately brought to Zanorte Medical Center for treatment but was declared Dead on Arrival (DOA) at said medical facility and same will be subjected for subsequent conduct of Post Mortem Examination by SOCO. SOCO Team conducted on-site CSI processing and Inventory of recovered items at the area.
The recovered items believed to be Illegal Drugs were already under the custody of the Provincial Crime Laboratory Office for weighing and further laboratory examination together with the 9MM Glock 19 pistol bearing 9 live ammunitions.
(PLTCOL. Khisna B. Asaali, Provincial Community Affairs and Development Unit Chief)
(Source: Provincial Community Affairs and Development Unit – Police Regional Office IX)