Zamboanga: The Police Regional Office in Zamboanga Peninsula (PRO-9) has committed to maintaining its achievements in crime prevention and enforcement initiatives throughout 2025. PRO-9 director Brig. Gen. Edwin Quilates emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration between the public and law enforcement agencies to sustain these efforts.

According to Philippines News Agency, the PRO-9's strategy, which focuses on crime prevention, case-solving, and community assistance, is guided by principles of community and human rights. Last year, the region prioritized its anti-illegal-drugs campaign, resulting in 1,452 operations and the arrest of 1,611 individuals. This led to the seizure of 21,292.06 grams of marijuana and 81,577.10 grams of shabu, with an estimated value of PHP557.3 million, significantly disrupting drug networks.

In anti-smuggling efforts, PRO-9 conducted 205 operations, leading to the arrest of 224 individuals and the confiscation of smuggled goods worth P501.1 million. The operations reinforced border security and protected the local economy.

The anti-illegal gambling campaign saw 1,511 operations, resulting in 3,933 arrests, the seizure of PHP1.03 million in illegal proceeds, and the filing of 179 court cases. Furthermore, 2,262 operations targeting illegal fishing led to 2,838 arrests and the seizure of resources valued at PHP81 million. Environmental protection remained a priority, with 320 anti-illegal logging operations resulting in the arrest of 16 individuals and the confiscation of 68,428 board feet of lumber.

Additionally, manhunt operations apprehended 2,641 wanted persons, including 702 most-wanted individuals. In the pursuit of peace, PRO-9 neutralized 309 New People's Army rebels, with 302 voluntarily surrendering and seven arrested.

Public safety was enhanced through a campaign against loose firearms, recovering 2,183 firearms, arresting 479 individuals, and placing 366 firearms under safekeeping, reducing firearm-related violence risks.