By Jong
Cadion
ZAMBOANGA
CITY (March 30, 2017)- Joint law enforcement operations of the Joint Task Force
Sulu under Col. Cirilito Sobejana and the police led to the arrest of a lawless
group leader, death of one of his members, and the seizure of several high-powered
firearms in the nearby province of Sulu early yesterday, military official said.
Western
Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed
that an exchange of gunfire ensued, resulting to the arrest of Saudi K. Hamja,
and the death of one of his followers whose identity is yet to be known. Hamja
has a standing warrant of arrest (WOA) for arson and attempted murder.
Also seized
were thirty-six (36) firearms and crew-served weapons composed of: one (1) Cal
.50 HMG; one (1) 60mm Mortar; seven (7) M14; five (5) Garand rifles; eight (8)
M16A1 rifles; four (4) M653; two (2) M79 Grenade Launchers; one (1) AK47
Kalashnikov rifle; one (1) FALN; three (3) caliber .30 Carbine; two (2) M79;
one (1) cal .22 rifle.
A civilian
was caught in the crossfire and was immediately rushed by the troops to Luuk
District Hospital for medical treatment. Meanwhile, no casualty was reported on
the government side, Cpt. Petinglay added.
"Our
troops on the ground continue to intensify the conduct of focused military
operations in Sulu and adhere to the rules of engagement to contain lawless
groups and pre-empt the conduct of atrocities in the province,” said Major
General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command.
"We
will continue to support the PNP's efforts against criminality and lawlessness.
The entire WestMinCom, will be ready to move and react when needed," MGEN
Galvez added. Previously, there were engagements between the government troops
and the ASG/KFRG at the said area after focused military operations were
directed to the identified safe havens of the lawless group.
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