TROOPS recovered parts of firearms and ammunition following a clash with a lawless group in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, the military reported Monday, January 22.
Major Ronald Suscano, Army's 1st Infantry Division information officer, said the recovery came after a clash with the lawless group led by Monib Aquilan on January 20 in the village of Poblacion, Kalawait, Zamboanga del Norte.
The clash broke out after the troops launched security patrol in response to the reported presence of gunmen who belong to the "Suminggal" lawless group that is victimizing the residents, especially the poor farmers.
Suscano said the "Suminggal" group is engaged in extortion and land grabbing activities in the southern part of Zamboanga del Norte.
The firefight, he added, lasted for about 30 minutes, after which the Suminggal group members fled toward Palalian village in Kalawit town.
The soldiers recovered from the clash site parts of M-203 grenade launcher and M-16 Armalite rifle, one hammock, hundreds of ammunition for M-16 and M-14 rifles, a pair of combat boots, and an Arabic booklet.
Lieutenant Colonel Danilo Ambe, Army's 42nd Infantry Battalion commander, has deployed troops to pursue the Suminggal group. (Bong Garcia/VoxPop Philippines)