2 lawless elements slain in Zambo del Norte

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.