Abu surrenders to Marines in Sulu

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (January 31, 2018) - A member of the Abu Sayyaf Group surrendered to the Marine troops in Sulu on Tuesday (Jan 30), military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that Abdul Maula Ismula yielded to Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Cabanlet of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-1 in Sulu at 9am Tuesday (January 30).

“The Marine troops were conducting civil-military operations in Barangay Likod, Pata Island, Sulu when a certain Khadafy reported that Abu Sayyaf member Ismula wanted to surrender,” said Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu.

Cpt. Petinglay said Ismula is associated with the group of Abu Sayyaf member Udon Hasim. He is listed under the Periodic Status Report of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as a regular Abu Sayyaf member with two armed followers. Ismula also turned over his M16 rifle to the Marine troops. He is currently in the custody of the MBLT-1, Philippine Marine Ready Fleet Sulu for medical examination and custodial debriefing. The subject is a resident of Sitio Tubig Malaum,Barangay Niyog-Niyog, Pata Island.

“His surrender brings to 60 the total number of Abu Sayyaf members who surrendered in Sulu since January 1, 2017. This manifests the changing landscape in the province as our ground troops sustain their combat and intelligence operations against the terrorists,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

Cpt. Petinglay further said that a total of 167 Abu Sayyaf members laid down their arms in the joint area of operations of the WestMinCom. Of this number, 72 surrendered in Basilan, 33 in Tawi-Tawi, and two in Zamboanga City.

On January 29, Udat Mohammad Salam, 24, and Mustafa Salihin Ahajabi, 19, yielded to Brigadier General Divino Rey Pabayo, Commander of the 101st Brigade, in Sulu, she added.

“More Abu Sayyaf members are contemplating to surrender as the Joint Task Forces under this Command intensify their security operations, particularly isolating the reformables from the hardcore Abu Sayyaf members through community-based dialogues, community support programs, and diplomatic mentoring,” added Lieutenant General Galvez, Jr.

6 more firearms turned-over after Rido Settlement in Lanao del Sur

By Jong  Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (January 30, 2018) - Following a rido settlement between two warring clans in Lanao del Sur last January 22, 2018, six (6) more firearms were turned-over by the group to the Joint Task Force Haribon in Marawi City on Monday (January 29), military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that Vice Mayor Alber Balindong of Tugaya, LDS surrendered six high-powered firearms to Colonel Generoso Ponio, the Commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade at Camp Ranao, Marawi City at 10:30am , as a gesture of firm commitment to the settlement that was made earlier with their warring clan. Surrendered were four cal 7.62mm M14; and two cal 5.56mm M16 rifles. The firearms are now in the custody of the 103rd Brigade and are being properly labelled and documented.

“Last January 22, the Provincial government of Lanao Del Sur represented by its Vice Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr and the Joint Task Group Haribon of the Philippine Army headed by Colonel Generoso Ponio initiated and facilitated the talks and eventual settlement of a decades-long family feud between Vice Mayor Jafar Dipatuan of Bacolod-Kalawi and Mayor Al Fatah Pacalna Balindong of Tugaya, both of Lanao del Sur,” said Major General Roseller G Murillo, commander of the Joint Task Force Zampelan.

“During the settlement, both parties have already surrendered 24 firearms to the government forces. The additional six firearms turned-over today brings to 30 firearms surrendered,’ he added.

The ceremony and traditional proceeding between the families of the warring clans was held at the Headquarters of the JTG Haribon in Campo Ranao, Marawi City, which amicably ended at 12 noon of January 22.

“I would like to commend the combined AFP and PNP forces under MGen Murillo for these active actions to end rido in their area,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“This is a very good gesture of honesty and commitment to the earlier settlement between the two warring parties.”

“We encourage the other feuding clans to do the same, in order for everybody to have a chance to live in harmony and prosperity,” LtGen Galvez added.

“Part of the over-all campaign of WestMinCom is to sustain all efforts to resolve all vertical and horizontal conflicts within the Joint Area of Operations, and we will continue to maintain an active stance on this particular issue until we reach a closure on all existing rido, may it be peacefully or aggressively,” added the WestMinCom chief.

2 Abus yield to troops in Sulu

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (January 30, 2018) - After the surrender of five Abus in the past days, another two of their members surrendered to the troops in Sulu Province, Monday (January 29) morning, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that Udat Mohammad Salam, 24, and Mustafa Salihin Ahajabi, 19, yielded to Brigadier General Divino Rey Pabayo, Commander of the 101st Brigade, at 9am of Monday (January 29).

“Salam and Ahajabi turned-over an M16 rifle and a Garand rifle as a gesture of their commitment to return to the fold of the law,” said Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu.

Cpt. Petinglay said they are currently undergoing custodial debriefing facilitated by the troops and will further be brought to the headquarters of the JTF Sulu for appropriate dispositive action.

On January 28, three Abu Sayyaf members with high-powered firearms surrendered to the Philippine Marine Ready Fleet Sulu, she added.

Cpt. Petinglay stresses that from January 2017 to date, a total of 166 Abu Sayyaf members surrendered to the troops. Of this number, 72 yielded to the troops in Basilan, 59 in Sulu, 33 in Tawi-Tawi, and two in Zamboanga City.

“Surrenderees in the BaSulTa areas continue to snowball as the Western Mindanao Command, through the different Joint Task Forces, sustain their security operations, particularly isolating the reformables from the hard core Abu Sayyaf members through community-based dialogue, community support programs, and diplomatic mentoring,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“We will not stop until every one of them decides to take a new and more peaceful life. Together with our stakeholders, we are all one in this quest for the total defeat of the Abu Sayyaf Group,” the WestMinCom Chief added.

Government forces arrest 10 suspects in 1-day anti-drug operation

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (January 30, 2018) – Troops under Joint Task Force “ZAMPELAN” and PNP Liloy nabbed 10 drug suspects during the conduct of simultaneous joint search and seizure operation at Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte on Saturday (January 27), military official said.

Information officer Maj Ronald E Suscano, 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, PA, disclosed that through the search warrants issued by Judge Alejandro T Canda at Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) Liloy-Tampilisan, 9th Judicial Region, Liloy, ZDN, the joint forces of 42IB, PNP personnel of Liloy Municipal Police Station and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) ZDN conducted the joint search and seizure operations at Brgy Fatima, Brgy Baybay, Brgy Villa M Tejero and Brgy Causwagan.

Maj Suscano said the suspects were Mario Vergara Cubol, Jeffrey Ortega  Ehidio, Maria Sheila Luta Ehidio, Dunhill Buga-ub, Jeffrey Campaner Rusiana, Melvin Paradel Borgonia, Roger Tuting, Leo Tayrus Tejero, Francis Barbacias and Franklyn Manait, residents of said four barangays. Seventeen (17) small transparent sachets and three (3) big plastics containing white crystalline suspected shabu and illegal drug paraphernalia were confiscated from the suspects.

Maj Gen Roseller G Murillo AFP, Commander of 1ID, commended the troops as well as the PNP and PDEA personnel for their  triumph in combating illegal drugs in that particular area. “Our active support to Law Enforcement Operations especially on war against illegal drugs has been vital and momentous for the government. Certainly, it is a triumph for peace,” Maj Gen Murillo said.

Police Regional Office 9 (PRO-9) awards performing personnel

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (January 29, 2018) - Twenty-nine (29) PNP personnel from the different PNP units in Police Regional Office 9 (PRO-9) were recognized for their significant operational accomplishment during Monday flag-raising and awarding ceremony at PRO9 Quadrangle, Camp Col Romeo A Abendan, Mercedes, Zamboanga City at about 8:00 AM, Monday (January 29, 2018), official said.

Recipients of the Medal Ng Kagalingan were PSUPT Ferjen Torred, PSINSP Sonny Boy Perez, SPO2 Glen Pastorfide, SPO1 Henry Cavan and PO2 Panfilo Domosmog, cited for the arrest of a long time fugitive and convicted in violation of RA 9165 identified as Thomas James Papalla at Barangay Aguada, Isabela City on December 1, 2017.

PCINSP Hazel Fernandez, SPO4 Orlando Gellecania, SPO3 Eduardo Covarruvias, SPO3 Raul Galvez, SPO1 Rodolfo Tan, PO3 Joel De Leon, PO2 Asmie Joe, PO2 Arnel Arcillas, PO1 Noel Andrade and PO1 Edgar Gaganting, all of Zamboanga City Police Station 4 (Culianan), cited for the arrest of two (2) members of notorious ASG identified as Faizal Sariul and Puyat Saiyadi at Barangay Mercedes and Plaza Pershing, Zamboanga City on January 17 and 19, 2018, respectively.

PCINSP Rolly Joaquino, PCINSP Elmer Solon, PSINSP Haran Ulah, PO2 Yosuf Amilhasan and PO1 Oliver Silva, all of Zamboanga City Police Station 7 (Sta. Maria), cited for the arrest of another ASG member identified as Bensar Duma at Barangay San Roque, Zamboanga City on December 24, 2017.

PCINSP Al-Reiza Kinang, SPO3 Noel Tenebroso, SPO1 Ronnie Baird, SPO1 Asraf Halipa and PO3 Sali Abel, cited for the arrest of another ASG member identified as Emran Sanduyugan at Mindpro Citi Mall, Zamboanga City on January 12, 2018.

PCINSP Aiko Tesoro, SPO3 Dexter R Dalena, SPO2 Dennis Ceno, PO2 Gerome Tare and PO1 Jason Ryan Ponlaroche, cited for the arrest of gun-for-hire personality identified as Charlie Sagarino at Barangay Upper Landing, Dumingag, Zamboanga Del Sur on January 11, 2018.

As this developed, PCSUPT Billy B Beltran, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 9, said that the above-mentioned PNP personnel exemplifying the icon of a true and dedicated public servant have earned honor and prestige, worthy of praise and emulation not only by their peers, in particular, but also for the entire Philippine National Police, in general.                                            

                                                           

BIFF slain in Maguindanao clash; IEDs recovered in Sulu

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (January 29, 2018) - A member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters was slain in a five-minute armed confrontation with the troops of the Joint Task Force Central in Maguindanao on January 26, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the troops of the 61st Division Reconnaissance Company under 2nd Lieutenant Roy John Atoga encountered five (5) BIFF members while conducting combat operation in Sitio Minanga, Barangay Bakat, Radjah Buayan, Maguindanao at 5am on Friday (January 26).

Said firefight resulted in the death of BIFF member Gabriel Amado. Amado, 49, is a resident of Sitio Minanga, Barangay Bacat, Radjah Buayan, Maguindanao.

"Troops turned over the cadaver of Amado to Barangay Chairman Ebrahim Dagandal of Bakat, Radjah Buayan, Maguindanao for proper disposition," said Major General Arnel Dela Vega, the JTF Central commander.

Troops also recovered an Improvised Explosive Device, 20 rounds of live ammunition of a shotgun, and personal belongings of the BIFF. No casualty was reported on the government troops.

"The JTF Central closely monitors the movement of the BIFF factions to thwart any of their attempts to conduct violent ploys,” added MGen Delavega.

Meanwhile, Marine troops recovered two improvised explosive devices laid in two barangays in Sulu on the same day (January 26).

Cpt Petinglay said the elements of the Naval Task Group Sulu, Philippine Marine Ready Fleet Sulu responded and proceeded to Sitio Buling-Buling, Barangay Suh, Panamao and Barangay Bagsak, Talipao, both in Sulu after reports from concerned citizens reached their attention. The marines recovered the IEDs made of 60mm mortars and a container with ammonium nitrates with nails.

"We are still trying to trace who is responsible for laying the IEDs, the good thing however is that, our soldiers were able to preempt its explosion and the possible loss life and limbs said explosion might result into,” said Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu.

The explosive devices were brought to the headquarters of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-3 for proper disposition.

"Collaboration and cooperation between our soldiers and stakeholders on the ground resulted to this early detection of the IED,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“I would like to recognize the renewed vigilance of our people in fighting extremism and violence.”

“Congratulations to both JTF Central and Sulu for yet another commendable accomplishment.”

Five more Abus surrender to soldiers in Sulu and Tawi-tawi

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (January 29, 2018) - Five (5) more members of the Abu Sayyaf Group, three (3) from Sulu and two (2) from Tawi-tawi, surrendered to the soldiers of the Joint Task Forces, Sunday (January 28), military official said.

Western Mindanao Command information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the Abu Sayyaf members Kadra Arajun Sawadjaan; Alnajar Arajun Sawadjaan; and Sherul Arad Sahiyul, all with high-powered firearms yielded to the Philippine Marine Ready Force-Sulu of the Joint Task Force Sulu following the surrender of fellow Abus since late last year and early this year. The former bandits were picked-up by soldiers at Brgy Bunot, Indanan, Sulu after earlier arrangements had been made to ensure their safety and security.

In his report to WestMinCom Cmdr, Brigadier General Sobejana said that the Abus also surrendered an M16 rifle; an M79 Grenade Launcher; and a cal .45 pistol upon their surrender.

 “As a procedure, we let them undergo immediate medical treatment at our station hospital in Busbus, Sulu in order to address any medical conditions that needed care,” BGen Sobejana said.

During the debriefing, it was found out that the three were recruited by the late Abu Sayyaf Sub Group leader Alhabsy Misaya. All three were also previously seen in a recovered video showing Abu Sayyaf members marching and in formation in Indanan, Sulu taken sometime in August 2015.

Meanwhile, two more Abus also yielded to the soldiers of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi at 3pm Sunday. Jun Hassan; and Titing Alihassan @Iyot Panday, both residents of Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi voluntarily surrendered to the marines bringing along an M16 rifle; an M1 Garand rifle; and a short magazine for M16 rifle with 22 pcs ammunition for cal 5.56mm.

“We found out that Titing Alihassan @Iyot Panday is number one in our wanted list of Abu Sayyaf members and is included in the DND Arrest Order Nr 3,” said Brigadier General Custudio Parcon, Jr., commander of the Joint Task Force Tawi-tawi.

“He was involved in the series of kidnapping incidents in the high seas such as the sea-jacking of Vietnamese flag vessel (M/V GIANG HAI) in 17 Feb 2017,” added BGen Parcon. “Jun Hassan on the other hand, is also among those listed in our watchlist and is in the DND Arrest Order same with Alihassan.”

Based on the initial debriefing conducted, Jun Hassan is the brother of killed KFRG sub leader Butchoy Hassan who was neutralized last March 2017 by elements of JTF Tawi-Tawi in Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi. Subject is one of the financiers of the kidnapping of Taiwanese National Evelyn Chang at Pompom Island Resort, Sabah, Malaysia last November 2013.

“We would like to reiterate our call for the remaining Abu Sayyaf members especially those from Sulu Province to surrender the soonest,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“The government in coordination with the Ulama has prepared rehabilitation programs to those who have surrendered and will surrender to ensure that they do not go back to their ill beliefs and practices.”

As of this report, a total of 164 ASG personalities already surrendered in WestMinCom Joint Area of Operations since January 2017. Of the number, there were 72 from Basilan; 57 from Sulu; 33 from Tawi-tawi and two from Zamboanga City.

 “This rehabilitation program will ensure that our returnees will be completely mainstreamed to their respective communities.”

“Once again, we are urging you to surrender before it is too late,” WestMinCom chief concluded.

       

PRO-9 commemorated 3rd Death Anniversary of SAF 44

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (January 25, 2018) - The Regional Director of Police Regional Office 9 (PRO-9) PCSUPT BILLY B BELTRAN spearheaded the commemoration of the 3rd Death Anniversary of SAF 44 in recognition of their heroism and gallantry in the service of God, country and people held at PRO9 Quadrangle, Camp Col Abendan, Mercedes, Zamboanga City, Thursday (January 25) at 8:00AM, official said.

ZCPO-PRO9 information officer PCINSP HELEN L GALVEZ disclosed that there were eight (8) SAF Commandos from the 5th Special Action Battalion, Special Action Force based in Zamboanga City who died in the clash with the Moro rebels at Mamasapano, Maguindanao Province three (3) years ago namely: PSINSP RYAN B PABALINAS, PSINSP GEDNAT TABDIH, PINSP JOEY GAMUTAN, PO3 Jed-In Asjali, PO2 Walner Danao, PO2 Joel Dunuan, PO2 Glenn Bedua and PO2 Amman Esmula.        .

Relatedly, The PRO9 rendered a twenty one (21) gun salutes in honor of their heroism and at the same time, the Regional Director together with the families and spouses of the fallen heroes offered flowers at the PNP Heroes Wall inside the PRO9 camp, she added.

The celebration was in adherence to the Presidential Proclamation No. 164, declaring January 25 of every year as a day of National Remembrance for the Heroic Sacrifice of the SAF 44 of the PNP. Present during the activity were the spouses of the fallen heroes:

Mrs. Erica Pabalinas, wife of late PSINSP RYAN B PABALINAS

Mrs. Merlyn Gamutan, wife of late PINSP JOEY GAMUTAN

Mrs. Leah Tabdih, wife of PSINSP GEDNAT TABDIH

Mrs. Adelisa Bedua, wife of late PO2 GLENN BADUA

Mrs. Emeliza Danao, wife of late PO2 WALNER DANAO

Mrs. Margareth Dulnuan, wife of late PO2 JOEL DULNUAN

148 Abus yield as WestMinCom sustains offensives

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (January 25, 2018) - More than a hundred members of the Abu Sayyaf Group have laid down their arms since operations were sustained by the Western Mindanao Command last year, military official said.

From January 1 to December 31, 2017, a hundred and forty-four Abu Sayyaf bandits capitulated as military troops employ more pressure and pound on the terrorist group in Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

“This massive surrender is ascribed to the relentless operations of our troops on the ground and the robust support of the people of Mindanao, especially our local chief executives that are now involved in our fight against decades-long internal aggression on the islands,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

Last year, seventy (70) Abu Sayyaf bandits yielded to the troops in Basilan, 53 in Sulu, and 21 in Tawi-Tawi.

This month (January 2018), four Abu Sayyaf members (three in Sulu and one in Basilan) already surrendered to the Joint Task Forces under the WestMinCom. Three high-powered firearms of the Abu Sayyaf were also recovered from January 1-23, 2018. On January 21, 2018, Reymal Abe Majan, 23, Tarun Uhad Ismael , 63, and Makdar Jikiri, 25, yielded to Captain John Armand Guevarra of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion, Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) in Barangay Kanaway, Parang, Sulu. Ismael and Jikiri are followers of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Idang Susukan, while Majan is a follower of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Maradjan Hadjiri. They also surrendered two M1 Garand rifles and an M16 rifle.

“We encourage other Abu Sayyaf members to return to the fold of the law and join the government troops in working for internal security through peaceful means,” added Lieutenant General Galvez, Jr.

“The government in coordination with the Ulama has prepared rehabilitation programs to those who have surrendered to ensure that they do not go back to their ill beliefs.”

This January 2018, the Western Mindanao Command through its JTF Basilan, in collaboration with Balay Mindanaw, ARMM, Eisenhower Fellowship Association US Embassy and Nagdilaab Foundation Inc conducted an "Expository Tour" under the ASG Returnees Rehabilitation Program (ARRP) for 40 Basilan ASG returnees.

The activity intends to provide the returnees an avenue for personal, spiritual, values formation and the opportunity to gain new experiences. The tour also seeks to provide exposure to the returnees progressive communities outside Basilan Province; create positive disposition among the returnees through leisure and other activities; foster cohesion and team spirit; and reinforce positive and moderate view of Islam.

“This program will set as a pioneering model similar to the NPA returnees Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP),” said LtGen Galvez.

“All returnees will also undergo the same program to ensure that they will be fully integrated and mainstreamed as productive members of their community.”

“With all our partners, we will transform our ASG affected areas from "terrorism to tourism haven,” WestMinCom chief concluded.

Government troops apprehend three Maute-ISIS sympathizers

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (January 24, 2018) – Troops under Joint Task Force “Ranao” and Philippine National Police forces nabbed three sympathizers of the Maute-ISIS group, Tuesday (January 23) in Lanao del Sur, military official said.

Information officer Maj Ronald E Suscano, 1^st Infantry (TABAK) Division, disclosed that Joint Task Group HARIBON under JTF Ranao and Provincial PNP of Lanao del Sur conducted the law enforcement operations in response to civilian report of armed presence at Brgy. Gacap, Piagapo, LDS.

Maj Suscano said that JTG HARIBON identified the suspects as Apao Macod Dimacaling, Brad Alexander and Jalal Ramal Berongon a.k.a. Mayor and recovered from them two (2) calibre 45 pistols.

Colonel Generoso M Ponio INF (GSC) PA, Commander of 103rd Infantry Brigade, said the apprehended personalities were involved on the killings of three (3) Christian civilian vendors who were found dead at the border of Piagapo and Balindong towns in Lanao del Sur last December 6, 2017.

“Based on our initial debriefing from the arrested personalities, they revealed that there are still five (5) persons involved on the killings of said Christian vendors selling household items,” said Col Ponio.

Major Geeneral Roseller G Murillo AFP, 1ID Commander, commended the troops of the Joint Task Group HARIBON and the PNP counterparts for the successful mission.

“The recent accomplishment of our troops only shows that the civilian community is getting more supportive in our efforts to totally crash-out not only the remnants of Maute-ISIS group but their civilian sympathizers as well,” Maj Gen Murillo said.

“We shall continue working with other stakeholders and also the civilian community in accomplishing our mandate to serve the Filipino people,” he added.

WestMinCom Chief: “We are zero tolerance on any drug cases”

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (January 24, 2018 ) - In his speech during a visit at the Tabak Division Headquarters in Kuta Major Cesar L Sang-an in Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur on Tuesday (January 23), Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command vowed that he will not and never tolerate personnel who will be found involved in illegal drugs.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay said that the statement was made following the apprehension of a soldier of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division by operatives of the Pagadian City Police Station and Zamboanga Del Sur Provincial Drug Enforcement Agency during a buy bust operation at dawn last Monday.

Cpt. Petinglay further said that Corporal Lehamber Baclay Acosta, a member of the Philippine army and assigned at the 1st Signal Battalion Army Signal Regiment was inside a room in one of the hotels at Purok Chico Hills, Barangay Tuburan, Pagadian City with an unnamed female companion, when operatives stormed inside the room and were able to recover drugs and paraphernalia. Recovered from the possession of the suspect were one (1) piece heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine hydrochloride locally known as “shabu”, three (3) pieces folded aluminum foils and two (2) pieces five hundred peso bills marked money.

 “We are saddened that despite our constant reminders, there are still soldiers who are into illegal drugs,” said Major General Roseller G Murillo, commander of the 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan. “We will be more aggressive in finding out scalawags among our ranks and we will definitely be harsh on them.”

Suspect is now temporary detained at Pagadian City Police Station while a case for violation of R.A 9165 was being prepared for filing in court against the suspect, Cpt. Petinglay added.

 “We strongly support and adhere to the policy and campaign of the current administration against the proliferation of illegal drug trade in the country,” said LtGen Galvez.

“The Western Mindanao Command takes steps to replicate this campaign and to ensure that drug trade and drug addiction will not be tolerated among our ranks. Any drugs cases involving our personnel will be dealt with in accordance with the law. If proven guilty, said personnel will be immediately charged and will be separated from the service.”

“As the highest military commander, it will be one of my priorities. Let this is be a strong reminder to everyone.”

Joint Task Force Ranao facilitates end to Lanao del Sur Bloody Clan War

The high-powered firearms surrendered by the feuding families of Mayor Balindong and Vice Mayor Dipatuan in Lanao del Sur

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur  (January 23, 2018) – Joint Task Force “Ranao” facilitated the settlement of a decades old “Rido” or violent family feud between the two big political clans in Lanao del Sur, Monday (January 22), military official said.

Col Generoso M Ponio INF (GSC) PA, Commander of 103rd Infantry Brigade under Joint Task Force “Ranao” led the settlement of the violent family feud or “Rido” between the families of Tugaya Municipal Mayor Al Fatah Pacalna Balindong and Bacolod Kalawi Municipal Vice Mayor Jafar Dipatuan.

Information officer Maj Ronald E Suscano (INF) PA, 1^st Infantry (TABAK) Division, disclosed that the end to the violent family feud was concluded when the two (2) heads of the families swore on the Holy Qur’an to settle their “Rido”.  The families surrendered twenty –four (24) high-powered firearms to symbolize their resolve to conclude the long-time violent family feud. The weapons surrendered included two (2) caibel .50 sniper “Barret” rifles; six (6) 7.62 millimeter M14 rifles; seven (7) 5.56 millimeter M16 rifles; four (4) 40 millimeter M203 Grenade Launchers; three (3) 40 millimeter M79 Grenade Launchers; one (1) calibre .30 machine Gun and one (1) calibre .30 Browning Automatic Rifle.

Maj Gen Roseller G Murillo AFP, 1ST Infantry (Tabak) Division and concurrent Joint Task Force “Ranao” Commander congratulated all the parties involved in the peaceful settlement of the decades old violent family feud.

“I commend the 103RD Infantry Brigade for the successful mediation that led to the peaceful settlement of a violent family feud that has cost the lives of many from both sides and affected the peace in the area for so many years”, he added. 

Maj Suscano said that the just settled bloody feud was reportedly decades old with two (2) of the more recent incidents being the shooting of one of the scions of the Dipatuan Clan in a busy commercial area of Iligan City last November 13, 2017 and the wounding of four (4) and the displacement of more than 200 families when an hour-long gun-battle between the clans erupted in Bacolod Kalawi town last January 5, 2018.

The settlement was achieved with the active participation of the Provincial Vice-Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Adiong Jr of Lanao del Sur, the Provincial Philippine National Police (PNP) units, Local Religious Leaders, and other members of civil society and the local government at Headquarters, 103RD Infantry Brigade, Kampo Ranao, Marawi City, he added.

Government troops encounter lawless elements, recover war items

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (January 21, 2018) – Troops of Joint Task Force “ZAMPELAN” encountered members of “lawless elements” at Sitio Balas, Brgy Poblacion, Kalawait, Zamboanga del Norte, 7AM Saturday (Jan. 20), military official said.

Information officer Maj Ronald E Suscano, 1^st Infantry (TABAK) Division, PA, disclosed that the operating troops under 42IB composed of five (5) enlisted personnel and twenty (20) CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) led by Cpl Rowen A Soler (SC) PA were conducting combat patrol at the vicinity of the said area when they encountered the “Suminggal” lawless group. Suminggal Group is allegedly headed by Monib Aquilan roaming around in the southern part of Zamboanga del Norte conducting extortions and land grabbing activities in the local populace.

Maj Suscano said that the firefight which lasted for about thirty (30) minutes compelled the enemy to withdrew heading towards the direction of Brgy Palalian, Kalawit, ZDN. After the firefight, the troops recovered one (1) hand guard of M203 grenade launcher; one (1) bolt chamber of M16 rifle; one (1) hammock; 293 ammo of M16 rifle; 254 ammo of M14 rifle; one (1) pair of combat boots and an Arabic booklet.

The 42IB under the stewardship of Lt Col Danilo G Ambe is conducting pursuit operation to trackdown and eventually defeat the said lawless group that disturbs and brings horror to the normal life of the affected civilian community.

“Our soldiers stand ready to respond and address any attempt by the armed threat groups threatening the safety and well-being of the people”, said Maj Gen Roseller G Murillo AFP, 1st ID Commader as he lauded the operating troops for the successful encounter.   

  “Our active support to Law Enforcement Operations has been vital and momentous for the government. Let us continue to actively support Law Enforcement Support Operations”, he added.