Notorious bomber/extortionist nabbed, loose firearms handed over in Cotabato

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (June 22, 2021) - A notorious Improvised Explosive Device (IED) expert/bomber and extortionist of the Daulah Islamiyah-Hassan Group was apprehended by government forces in Cotabato on June 21, 2021.

“Combined elements of the Joint Task Force Central and Kidapawan City Police Station conducted a law enforcement support operation at Purok 3, Barangay East Patadon, Kidapawan City at about 11:00 a.m. Monday to serve a warrant of arrest against Ali Akbar for double murder and multiple frustrated murder,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

Said operation resulted in the apprehension of the target and the seizure of one ISIS Flag, two IEDs, one blasting cap, and IED components.

According to 602nd Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong, Ali Akbar is the suspected mastermind of the YBL bus bombing in the municipality of Tulunan on January 27, 2021, and the burning/arson of the YBL bus in M’lang, on June 3, 2021, where four innocent civilians were killed and six others were injured.

Ali Akbar was brought to Kidapawan CPS for proper disposition and filing of appropriate charges.

“We are hopeful that the apprehension of Akbar will degrade the DI-Hassan Group which conducts extortion activities, create havoc in the peaceful communities, and victimize innocent civilians,” said Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander, Joint Task Force Central.

Meanwhile, the barangay chairpersons of 10 barangays of Midsayap, Cotabato handed over 18 assorted loose firearms to Brig. Gen. Capulong in the morning of June 22, 2021.

The joint efforts of 34th Infantry Battalion and Midsayap Municipal Police Station in collaboration with the local officials resulted in the successful surrender of one 5.56 Bushmaster with scope and one magazine, one grenade launcher with one cartridge 40mm high explosives, one cal. 30 mm Garand with five cartridges .30mm Ball, two cal. 50mm with two cartridges .50mm Ball, one M79 rifle, one M14 rifle with two magazines, one M14 Sniper rifle with one magazine, one 7.62 Sniper rifle with one magazine and three cartridges 7.62mm Ball, one cal. 30mm Sniper rifle with one magazine and five cartridges .30mm Ball, one 7.62 Sniper rifle with one magazine, one D12 improvised Shotgun with one magazine and one cartridge, one cal. 38 revolver, and five cal. 45 pistols with six magazines and six cartridges 45mm Ball.

Brig. Gen. Capulong said that the firearms were surrendered to the barangay officials by their respective constituents.

The ceremonial turnover was held at the SB Social Hall in Midsayap and was witnessed by 34IB Commander Lt. Col. Edgardo Vilchez, Jr., Midsayap MPS Officer-in-Charge Police Lt. Col. Rolly Oranza, Midsayap Vice Mayor Manuel Rabara, ABC President Allan Nostrales, and other local government officials.

“I commend the efforts of the Joint Task Force Central troopers, and our partners and stakeholders for these accomplishments,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. stated.

“Let us continue to work hand-in-hand to free Mindanao from all adversities,” he added.

Since January 2021, a total of 57 loose firearms were handed over to JTF Central. (By JONG CADION with reports and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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