By
Jong Cadion
ZAMBOANGA
CITY (September 19, 2017) - Two lawless elements were slain on Sunday
(September 17) in a combat operation launched by the government forces in
Zamboanga del Norte, military official said.
Western
Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed
that the combined elements of the 42nd Infantry Battalion under 1st Lieutenant
Basyon and the Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Public Safety Company conducted
the operation to rescue kidnap victims and clear the areas from the presence of
kidnap for ransom groups. Government troops encountered about 10 lawless
elements led by Ustadz Kadjo Tungayaw in Barangay Panganuran, Sibuco, Zamboanga
del Norte at around 2pm Sunday (September 17).
Cpt.
Petinglay said a 10-minute exchange of fire ensued, yielding to the
neutralization of two lawless elements and the recovery of a Garand rifle, a
Carbine automatic rifle, an improvised shotgun, several ammunition, camouflage
uniform, and documents. Retrieved by the military and police were two cadavers
that were subsequently turned over to barangay officials of Lambagoan, Sibuco
after proper procedures were observed by the police.
“Our
ground troops have intensified their combat operations in several
municipalities of Zamboanga del Norte, particularly in Sibuco, Siocon, Sirawai,
and Baliguian, since the kidnapping incident transpired in Labason in early
September,” said Brigadier General Joselito Rolando Bautista, commander of the
Joint Task Force ZamPeLan.
Commander
Kadjo was a former member of the Moro National Liberation Front. However, he
was disowned by MNLF Commander Asbirin for coddling lawless and criminal
elements in the area.
“The
Joint Task Force ZamPeLan will continue their operations in Zamboanga Peninsula
area to thwart any attempts by kidnap for ransom and lawless groups to incite
violence,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., commander of the
Western Mindanao Command.
"Pursuit
operations are continuously being conducted on the evading lawless
elements," added LtGen Galvez.
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