CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Army troopers arrested five men for illegal possession of high-powered firearms and illegal drugs in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on Friday afternoon, June 25.
Combined elements of the 33rd Infantry (Makabayan) Battalion, 1st Mechanized Battalion, and local operatives of the Philippine National Police (PNP) carried out the joint operation, according to Lt. Col. Benjamin Cadiente Jr., commander of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion, in a report Saturday, June 26.
He identified the suspects as Benjar Rajahpandalat, Datu Pong Mohammad, Pogi Abdullah, Theng Kiladan, and Sajid Nanding.
He added that the operation was done after receiving a tip from concerned citizens about the movement of suspects possessing guns and drugs to Brgy. Tukanalipao.
Seized from the suspects were one Bushmaster M16 rifle, two .45-caliber pistols, less than 1 gram of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P5,000, several sets of shabu drug paraphernalia, assorted firearm clips, and ammunition.
“The intensified intelligence operations of our troops, in close coordination with the PNP, contributed to the successful apprehension of these personalities. Hence, government forces continue to sustain its campaign against the proliferation of unlicensed and loose firearms”, Lt. Col. Cadiente said.
Col. Pedro Balisi also assured that government forces are persistent in their operations to maintain peace and order in their areas of responsibility.
“Our forces are not only focused on going after terrorists, but are also dedicated to combating various types of lawless elements and drug syndicates in our area of operation,” he said.
He added that a few days earlier, government forces neutralized three Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) extremists who were caught in possession of illegal drugs and several loose firearms in the nearby Brgy. Linantangan.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) lauded the accomplishment of the troops for their efforts in addressing peace threats and presence of lawless groups in the area.
“The dedication of government forces to address the issue of loose and unlicensed firearms will eventually have an impact against lawlessness in Central Mindanao,” he said.
Uy also urged local officials and residents to unite with the government in putting an end to lawlessness and criminalities in the area. (DPAO / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)
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