A former town mayor and now a councilor of a town in Zamboanga del Norte was arrested for alleged illegal possession of firearms.

According to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the councilor was arrested in Barangay Poblacion, Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte on August 26, 2025, when authorities served a search warrant for alleged violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (RA 10591).

Seized during the operation were an M16 modified assault rifle, a caliber .45 pistol, magazines, and ammunition.

“I commend the CIDG Zamboanga Del Norte Provincial Field Unit for the confiscation of these loose firearms and arrest of the possessor. We removed from circulation and use the instruments of crime, thereby, we significantly prevented the happening of crime,” CIDG Director, Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano, said.