Elite forces arrest suspected members of private armed group in Agusan

From InterAksyon (Nov 26): Elite forces arrest suspected members of private armed group in Agusan

An elite Army unit arrested six suspected members of a private armed group (PAG) in Agusan and confiscated their guns as authorities step up the campaign against lawless elements that may sow violence in upcoming elections in 2013. The suspected PAG members were taken by elements of the 7th Special Forces Company during an intelligence-driven operation Sunday in Purok 5, Barangay San Isidro, Santiago, Agusan del Norte, the military said Monday. Lt. Col. Eugenio Julio Osias IV, spokesman of the 4th Infantry Division, identified the arrested suspects as Kevin Badajos, Dennis Badajos, Rolly Samora, William Samora, Jerry Pitao and Remark Alburo, all of legal age and residents of Barangay Poblacion 1, Santiago. He said the armed group did not put up a fight, apparently on realizing that soldiers with some members of the Santiago police have already surrounded their hideout. The suspects were turned over to Santiago police for proper disposition.   Lt. Col. Potenciano Camba, commanding officer of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion, said the troops confiscated ftwo homemade shotguns with six live ammunitions, one caliber 357 revolver, one caliber 38, one caliber .45, and one MK2 hand grenade. He said the showed the cooperation between the military and police in purging crime groups that may be used by political warlords in the 2003 mid-term election in the province. “Our personnel are always ready to support the PNP (Philippine National Police) in our area of operation. We will help them enhance the peace and order in Santiago and other areas in the province and attain zero criminality,” Camba said. Maj. Gen. Nestor Añonuevo, 4th ID commander, his command will continue to assist the PNP in the government’s effort to significantly reduce the number loose firearms and criminal activities in the province. “I am happy that we first caught them before the rebels could take advantage of the firearms of the group in their criminal activities,” said Col. Ronald Albano, commander of the 402nd Brigade to which the 3rd SF battalion is attached.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/48932/elite-forces-arrest-suspected-members-of-private-armed-group-in-agusan