Soldier on AWOL, 2 others arrested in drug sting ops

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A government soldier who has gone AWOL and two other civilians were arrested Sunday in a drug sting operation after they sold a kilogram of crystal meth to undercover police agents here. 

Police photos show the suspected drug dealers Jaafar Ekong, 51; Darwisa Ibbo, 48; and Toto Samson, 32, following their arrest during a drug sting operation Sunday, December 26, 2021. 

Col. Rexmel Reyes, the city police chief, said several units were involved in the undercover operation in Lobregat village in Upper Calarian that resulted in the arrest of Jaafar Ekong, an army soldier who went AWOL; Darwisa Ibbo, 48; and Toto Samson, 32. 

“The arrest of the trio was the result of surveillance and intelligence reports,” Reyes said, adding, the 51-year old Ekong is also a member of the former rebel group Moro National Liberation Front after an identification card was seized from him. 

“Ekong, based on records, is a high value Individual under PNP watch list, and an alleged member of the MNLF based on his identification card,” Reyes said. 

Mayor Beng Climaco, who was informed by Rexmel about the capture of the trio, lauded the sting operation and warned drug dealers to stop their illegal activities. “Zamboanga is not a safe place for drug dealers because we will arrest you and put you all to jail,” she said. 

Climaco said the police seized about P6.8 million worth of crystal meth. 

On September 23, undercover cops also arrested Elmer Esmiraji after selling a kilo of crystal meth in the coastal village of Arena Blanco. The capture of the 24-year old Esmiraji was the result of careful planning by the City Drug Enforcement Unit led by Lieutenant Vincent Perez and Police Station 4 commander Major Ramon Bautista Jr. (Mindanao Examiner)