Government troops encounter anew with lawless elements

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (February 7, 2018)  – The combined troops under Joint Task Force “ZAMPELAN” and Philippine National Police Kalawit once again encountered the “lawless elements” at Sitio Monob, Brgy Daniel Maing, Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte, early morning Wednesday (February 7), military official said.

Information officer Maj Ronald E Suscano (INF) PA, 1^st Infantry (TABAK) Division, disclosed that the operating troops of 42ND Infantry Battalion led by Captain Reynante R Macario and Kalawit Police led by Police Inspector Junedel S Mormolindo were conducting combat operation at the vicinity of the said area when they clashed with the “Suminggal” lawless group.

Earlier, on January 19, 2018, the same group was encountered by the government forces at the vicinity of Brgy Poblacion of the same municipality where the latter recovered some war materials.

Maj. Suscano said Suminggal Group is allegedly headed by Monib Aquilan with more or less 20 members conducting extortions and land grabbing activities in the southern part of Zamboanga del Norte. The firefight which lasted for about thirty (30) minutes compelled the enemy to withdraw heading towards the northeast direction of Kalawit, ZDN. After the firefight, the troops recovered one (1) KG9 rifle with magazines; one (1) rifle grenade; one (1) hand grenade; ten (10) pieces hammock; one (1) cellular phone and several personal belongings.

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 the normal life of the affected civilian community, he added.

“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.   

  “Let us continue to actively support Law Enforcement Support Operations until the final defeat of the said armed group”, he added.