CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao del Norte – The combined military and police forces seized high caliber firearms during a law enforcement support operation against eight suspects in Brgy Tabungao, Radjah Buayan, Maguindanao Del Sur.
According to Lt. Col. Udgie Villan, the commander of the 33rd Infantry (Makabayan) Battalion, the operation was carried out in collaboration with the element of the Radjah Buayan MPS and other operating units of the military.
Carrying the arrest warrant from the local court, the authorities would have served the said court order against the wanted members of Dawlah Islamiya Maguid and Hassan Group early yesterday morning (July 26, 2023).
Instead of surrendering properly, the armed groups opened fire at least ten times, based on the number of government troops.
Due to this, the government forces returned fire which lasted for almost 20 minutes before the suspects retreated and fled.
The subjects of the arrest warrant were identified as Jaffer Mariano, member of the DI-Hassan group; Solaiman Nilong alias Pinuno and Solaiman who is facing murder charges; Russel Mamo and Zaidee Jade Nilong alias Ali Boy Nilong, DI-Maguid members and facing charges of Direct Assault with Attempted Murder; Tonto Akmad, Katendeg Mustapha, Candao Illa and Amir Aparudo are all wanted by the law and have a case of Robbery with Homicide, Banjo Tanto and his companion Candao Tantong Kabalo are both facing a case of frustrated murder.
The authorities immediately helped the seven children and three women who were left behind after the suspects fled.
During the investigation, the police and military found the following: an LMG, Caliber 7.62mm, M60; a 5.56mm M16A1 rifle; a Cal. 30 M1 Garand rifles; a Grenade Launcher 40mm; a Barrette Cal. 50 Sniper Rifles; magazines; three commercial radios; a bandolier and various types of ammunition.
In his statement, Major General Alex S. Rillera, head of 6ID and JTF-Central said that the military will not stop working with the police in its duty and mandate to maintain order and tranquility in this part of Mindanao. “If we don’t catch them now, I know that in the next few days we will catch them too. However, it is a big deal that we deal with the tools of violence.”
“To the people of Central and South Central Mindanao, expect that your Joint Task Force Central will not stop responding regarding security matters. We will continue to serve as advocates of peace, security, and development of our community”, added Maj. Gen. Rillera.
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