A MEMBER of a private armed group was killed, while seven others were arrested during a law enforcement operation in Sulu Wednesday afternoon, March 29, a police official said Thursday.
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Police Office Director Reuben Theodore Sindac said the joint operation was conducted by Omar Municipal Police Station, Sulu Provincial Police Office, and the Army's 4th Scout Ranger Company in the village of Capual, Omar town.
The operatives were serving arrest warrant for Saudi Kahil Hamja, Adzmar Omar, Juli Sahirol, Ayyub Mangcabong, Nong Haliludin, and Ardin Akar Paling, who were facing charges of murder, attempted murder, arson, and cases related to illegal drugs when a firefight ensued.
Joint Task Force Sulu Commander Cirilito Sobejana said the firefight broke out around 5:08 a.m. Wednesday.
Sindac said the suspects ran from Hamja's house, which allegedly served as the group's lair, to Barangay Lahing-lahing where they were cornered.
The encounter resulted in the killing of Paling and injury to civilian Norherma Galamaddin. She was brought to Luuk District Hospital for treatment.
The police successfully nabbed the five subjects of the arrest warrant, along with their two companions.
Sobejana said the troops recovered 36 high-powered firearms that consist of the following: one caliber .50 machinegun, one 60-millimeter mortar, seven M-14 rifles, five Garand rifles, eight M16A1 “Baby Armalite” rifles, four M653 rifles, four M-79 grenade launchers, one AK-47 rifle, one FAL rifle, three caliber .30 Carbine rifles, and one caliber .22 rifle.
Authorities also recovered three sachets of suspected shabu, ammunition, explosive devices, and communication devices.
Sindac said arrested suspects were brought to Sulu Provincial Police Office for documentation.
Western Mindanao Command Chief Carlito Galvez Jr. said the troops on the ground continue to intensify the conduct of focused military operations in Sulu and adhere to the rules of engagement to contain lawless groups and prevent atrocities.
Galvez said they will continue to support the efforts of the police against criminality and lawlessness in Sulu. (VoxPop Philippines)
