Cops seize bomb-making components, guns

THE government authorities seized bomb-making components, guns, ammunition and illegal drugs in two separate law enforcement operations in Zamboanga del Norte, Thursday, September 29.

Zamboanga del Norte Police Director Edwin Wagan identified the arrested drug personalities as Rene boy Andalop, 37, and his wife, Shelmie, 34.

The couple was arrested in a law enforcement operation, through the serving of search warrant, around 10 a.m., Wednesday, September 28, in the village of Tipan, Gutalac, Zamboanga del Norte.

Wagan said before the serving of the search warrant, the couple has sold a sachet of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as “shabu,” for P1,000 to an undercover policeman.

The team of warrant servers recovered six heat-sealed plastic sachets of “shabu,” P1,000 marked money, a calibre .45 pistol with four ammunition, a calibre .357 magnum revolver with six ammunition, and a hunting knife.

Francisco Retuya, also known as Cresencio Lipang Jr., has eluded arrest when the police served search warrants at his residence and rest house in the villages of Tipan and Bacong, respectively, in Gutalac, Zamboanga del Norte.

Retuya’s son, Ronie, who was at the residence when the search warrant was served, was placed under investigation.

The policemen recovered the following: 25 pieces blasting caps, one roll blasting cord, six cut blasting cords, eight packs of bomb-making components, a shotgun, two calibre .45 pistols with ammunition, a calibre .22 pistol also with ammunition, P143,000 cash, and two disposable lighters.

Appropriate charges are set to be filed against the suspects, who were detained at the police headquarters of Gutalac, Zamboanga del Norte.