Two (2) members of Maute-linked group killed, shabu seized in Lanao del Sur

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (March 8, 2017) - Law enforcement and security operations launched by joint operatives of the military and law enforcement agencies against a drug syndicate associated with the Maute group yielded to the deaths of two of its members and the recovery of a firearm and shabu in the nearby province of Lanao del Sur early morning yesterday, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command Information Officer Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that elements of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office served the search warrant for illegal drugs against the Maute-linked group in Barangays Bato-bato and Malingon in Maguing, Lanao del Sur at around 3am yesterday.

Cpt. Petinglay said a heavy armed confrontation ensued between the government forces and seven armed members of the Maute-linked group, resulting in the deaths of two (2) of the latter's members, as evidenced by the cadavers retrieved by the troops in the area of engagement.

Also recovered were an M16 rifle, 230 rounds of M16 ammunition, an M16 magazine, and two (2) sachets of shabu.

As of this press time, clearing operations are continuously being conducted by troops, in coordination with the local police and the Scene of the Crime Operatives, she said.

"The search warrant was served against the drug syndicate, which is affiliated with and being financed by the Maute group in Lanao del Sur.  This is an accomplishment attributable to the combined efforts of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan and the law enforcement agencies in the ARMM," said Major General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command.

"We will continue to support the law enforcement operations of the police and the PDEA to deter the proliferation of illegal drugs within our joint area of operations", MGen. Galvez added.

Cpt. Petinglay added that the two (2) soldiers sustained gunshot wounds and were promptly evacuated by responding troops to the Iligan City Hospital for medical attention and were declared in stable condition by the attending physician.