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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Mindanao devider NBI nabs 3 firearms smugglers in Zamboanga City

NBI nabs 3 firearms smugglers in Zamboanga City

Published Aug 7, 2025 10:44 pm
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) confiscated firearms from three suspected members of a gun smuggling syndicate during an operation here on Wednesday, Aug. 6.
NBI-9 Director Jose Ermie A. Monsanto identified the suspects as Alfahad Sampang Hayidini, 27; Nurhakim Mahamod Hadjula, 30, and Alberto Miguel Lee, 25, all residents of Zamboanga City.
Monsanto presented the seized weapons to members of the media – four M4 rifles and two .45 caliber pistols.
The NBI official described the operation as a culmination of extensive intelligence work that began long before the current team conducted the operation.
A senior agent played a crucial role in developing the intelligence report, which highlighted the syndicate's activities across Zamboanga Peninsula, Zambasulta (Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi), Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga del Norte areas.
"We received intelligence about this group, and with the help of our intelligence community, we were able to conduct a successful operation," said Monsanto.
He said that agents posed as buyers to gain the trust of the suspects and through careful negotiations, they were able to secure their confidence.
The suspects reportedly offered to sell firearms for P145,000 each, and even quoted a higher price.
During the operation, agents managed to seize a significant firearm, although details about the specific weapon were not disclosed.
"With the rise in violence linked to illegal firearms, we believe this group is part of a larger smuggling network," Monsanto added.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to uncover the broader network involved in the smuggling of high-powered weapons in Western Mindanao.

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NBI Zamboanga City Guns Firearms Smuggling
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