Troops seize nine firearms from warring clans to stop Rido in Lanao del Sur

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY  (January 7, 2018) - Soldiers of the Joint Task Force Zampelan seized nine assorted firearms after a clearing operation in Brgy Madanding, Bacolod Kalawi, Lanao del Sur early morning Saturday (January 6), military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the military units were deployed at 4:30 in the afternoon (January 5) when two warring factions from the Amanodin and Dipatuan clans of the same Barangay were engaged in a firefight that caused temporary disruption to the flow of traffic along the highway of the said municipality. The responding soldiers were fired upon by the unidentified armed men upon their arrival at the encounter site prompting them to fire back. After an hour of fighting, the clash subsided bringing back the flow of traffic to normal.

“Our soldiers acted immediately since we received reports that there were civilian casualties and many civilians in the area panicked due to the fighting,” said Major General Roseller G Murillo, commander of the Joint Task Force Zampelan.

“We would not tolerate any incidents of Rido anywhere in our area of operation and we will continue to conduct support to law enforcement operations together with the PNP.”

Cpt. Petinglay said that at 10:30 Saturday morning (January 6), the soldiers who were on clearing operations since Friday were able to recover the following: three M14 rifles; three M16 rifles; two M653 rifles; one caliber .22 rifle; and assorted magazines and ammunition.

The firearms were believed to be just recently fired based on the carbon deposits found on the mouth of the barrel upon physical inspection by the troops.

“We are still investigating as to who owns the firearms recovered,” added MGen Murillo. “Our operating troops are certain that they were just recently fired. It is possible that the same firearms were used during the recent clash.”

As of this report, the recovered firearms are with the 103rd Brigade for documentation, finger pinting, tracing and immediate filing of appropriate charges.

“I would like to commend the combined AFP and PNP forces under MGEN MURILLO for acting swiftly to contain and stabilize the situation,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“Henceforth this will be our template. The warring parties will be immediately disarmed and charged in order to prevent the unnecessary loss of innocent lives and strictly observe the rule of law,” added LtGen Galvez.

Government troops are still in the area conducting thorough search, while having dialogue with Bacolod Kalawi Municipal Officials and traditional leaders.