Civilians help Army neutralized gunmen

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 3): Civilians help Army neutralized gunmen

Tired of armed hostilities, civilian residents in Maguindanao tipped off the Army about the presence of two heavily armed men in Datu Unsay town, which led to their arrest, the Army here said.

Capt. John Arvin Encinas, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said residents reported this to an Army detachment in Barangay Meta, Datu Unsay on Friday afternoon.

Encinas said elements of 57th Infantry Battalion and 21st Mechanized Company of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion organized a law enforcement team and raided the house of Tunga Pindilang in Barangay Meta at 8:00 p.m.
During the operation, government forces arrested Tunga Pindilang and Kaliong Pansadalan Limba who were known supporters of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Recovered from the two were one M-16 Armalite rifle, two M-203 grenade launchers, a Carbine, a 12-gauge shotgun, assorted magazines and war materials.

Encinas said they were seen by civilians roaming in the village with high powered guns. Afraid of possible hostilities between the armed men and government forces, the civilians quickly alerted the Army to effect arrests.

Major General Arnel Dela Vega, 6th Infantry Division commander, lauded the troops involved for their quick response to civilian’s information that led to the successful conduct of operation.

Dela Vega also commended and appreciated the involvement of local residents by providing timely and relevant information.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/993146