Military seizes high-powered firearms in Tawi-Tawi

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (July 23, 2021) - Personnel of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-12 seized assorted firearms in Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi on July 22, 2021.

“Based on the report from the ground, troops acted on information from a concerned citizen of the presence of two unidentified civilians at Sitio Pasabuli, Barangay Tongbangkaw, Panglima Sugala transporting assorted firearms utilizing one watercraft towards Sitio Lookan, Barangay Banaran, Sapa-Sapa town at about 1:30 p.m. Thursday,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command.

Upon receipt of said information, troops of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi immediately conducted maritime security patrol and followed the direction of the reported watercraft.

According to Lt. Col. Charlie Caña, Commander of the MBLT-12, during the pursuit operation, troops were directed to the house of a.k.a. Tasil where they recovered assorted high-powered firearms placed in a sack. Said firearms are believed to be owned by a.k.a. Tasil, a resident of Tongbangkaw who fled in unknown direction.

Recovered firearms include three M16A1 Colt, one M203 Grenade Launcher, three M16A1 handguards, one 3-9X40E scope, 14 long and six short M16 magazines, two 40mm ammunition, one rifle grenade, four chest rig, and 352 5.56mm live ammunition.

Col. Romeo Racadio, Commander of Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi commended the troops of MBLT-12 for the quick response to the report that led to the recovery of the firearms.

“Rest assured that JTF Tawi-Tawi will not allow the malefactors to create havoc in the peaceful communities,” said Col. Racadio.

The recovered firearms were placed under the custody of 212th Marine Company for safekeeping.

Operating troops coordinated with the police in Tongbangkaw for appropriate counteraction.

“Congratulations to the troops of Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi for this recent accomplishment,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

“The armed forces together with our partners will continue to curb lawlessness in our area of operation", Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.

Since January 2021, JTF Tawi-Tawi has recorded a total of 45 firearms gains, 27 of which are high-powered and 18 are low-powered. (By JC with reports and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

Click link below to read related article…..  https://frontlinemindanaobalita.blogspot.com/2021/07/military-seizes-high-powered-firearms.html

Click link below to read related article…..