PAGADIAN CITY – Two followers
of the notorious Kidnap for Ransom Gang (KFRG) and lawless leader Amie Andi who
were involved in the infamous massacre in Lapuyan Zamboanga del Sur last February
this year were arrested by the joint Army-PNP elements serving warrant of
arrest in Pagadian City Thursday afternoon.
Arrested
bandits were involved in kidnappings for ransom of local businessmen in
Zamboanga Peninsula and the killing of six people, three of them children, in
their attack of a village in Lapuyan of the same province last February.
The
notorious members were identified as Montasser Mangoda Ratarta alias Totongan
and Rachmodin Vel Andi alias Den who were cornered at their safe house in the
city by the joint elements of the 53rd Infantry Battalion of the 1st
Infantry (TABAK) Division, Philippine Army and the Pagadian City Police Office.
It can be
recalled that Amer Andi, son of notorious KFRG leader Amie Andi and one of his
followers, were killed in Brgy. Mikulabo, Picong, Lanao del Sur during a clash with
security forces last July this year. “Amie
Andi is still in hiding but his days are now numbered”. 53rd IB
Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Victor D. Tanggawohn said
Said nabbed
lawless elements are presently undergoing Army-PNP custodial debriefing prior
turn-over to appropriate authorities.
1st
ID Chief Maj. General Ricardo Rainier G. Cruz III, commended the resident
informants and the security forces involved in the arrest of aka Totongan and
aka Den. “There shall be no let-up of
pursuit operations against those responsible in the series of killings and
kidnappings in Western Mindanao. The public must realize that their role in peace
and security in the region is vital to the success of the security operations.”
Maj. Gen. Cruz said.