5 armed group members nabbed in raid

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 17): 5 armed group members nabbed in raid

Five members of a private armed group operating in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat were arrested Thursday morning in a raid conducted by joint police and Philippine Marines, police said.

Elements of Sultan Kudarat Police Office, Kalamansig and Lebak town police personnel and 2nd Marine Battalion Landing Team swooped down on the house of Tenti Tau Mangarin alias Commander Winston, alleged leader of an armed group, at around 4:30 a.m.

The raid was covered by search warrants and warrants of arrest against Mangarin, according to Sr. Supt. Raul Supiter, Sultan Kudarat provincial police director.

Supiter said Mangarin apparently sensed the raid and escaped before the law enforcers entered his residential compound in Barangay Datu Ito Andong in Kalamansig.

However, five of his armed followers were arrested and did not put up a fight.

“Mangarin is a high value target (HVT) of police and facing charges for illegal possession of firearms and explosives,” Supiter said.

Arrested were Bonao Mangarin, Usop Mangarin, Mimong Agam, Osik Mangarin and Seleno Ogib.

Seized from them were four Armalite Rifles, a Garand rifle, one .45 caliber pistol, two fragmentation grenades, military uniform, a binocular, assorted ammunition and magazines.

Supiter said the suspects are now detained at Kalamansig police lock-up cell while charges for violation of Republic Act 10591 (Illegal Possession of Firearms and Explosives) are being prepared against them.

Supiter said Mangarin’s group is among the PNP listed private armed groups in Sultan Kudarat.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1006581