Troops capture bandit leader, seize 36 high-powered firearms in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 30): Troops capture bandit leader, seize 36 high-powered firearms in Sulu

Government troops have recovered 36 high-powered firearms and captured a top bandit during a law enforcement operation in an island town in Sulu, military officials announced Thursday.

A follower of the lawless group was killed while a civilian was wounded in the crossfire as firefight ensued when troops served a warrant of arrest for Saudi Hamja.

Col. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said that Hamja is the leader of the Hamja group based in Barangay Capual, Omar, Sulu.

Sobejana said they have yet to establish the identity of the slain follower of Hamja. No one among the troops were either killed or wounded during the firefight.

Sobejana said the firefight ensued as lawless group members opened fire while the troops were about to serve the warrant of arrest against Hamja at around 5:08 a.m. Wednesday in Barangay Capual, Omar, Sulu.

He said Hamja has a standing warrant of arrest for arson and attempted murder.

He said the troops have recovered 36 high-powered firearms consisting of following one caliber .50 machinegun, one 60-millimeter mortar, seven M-14 rifles, five Garand rifles, eight M-16A1 “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.

“Our 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 preempt the conduct of atrocities in the province,” said Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

Galvez said they will continue to support the efforts of the police against criminality and lawlessness in the province of Sulu.

“The entire Westmincom will be ready to move and react when needed,” Galvez added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=976379