Extort group harass farmers in Zamboanga del Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 22): Extort group harass farmers in Zamboanga del Norte

Government troops are pursuing a lawless group victimizing poor farmers in the hinterlands of the nearby Zamboanga del Norte province.

Maj. Ronald Suscano, Army’s 1st Infantry Division information officer, on Monday disclosed the subject of the pursuit operation is the so-called “Suminggal” group.

Suscano said the Suminggal group, led by Monib Aquilan, is involved in extortion and land grabbing activities in the southern part of Zamboanga del Norte.

Suscano disclosed that troops consisting of soldiers and militiamen clashed on Saturday against the Suminggal group at Sitio Balas, Barangay Poblacion, Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte.

He said the clash ensued while the troops were conducting security operations in response to the reported of the lawless group.

He said the firefight lasted for about 30 minutes after which the group of Aquilan fled towards Barangay Palalian.

He said the troops recovered from the clash site parts of grenade launcher and rifle, ammunition for M-16 and M-14 rifles, a pair of combat boots and an Arabic booklet.

Lt. Col. Danilo Ambe, 42nd Infantry Battalion troops commander, deployed personnel to pursue Aquilan's group to prevent them from harassing the poor farmers.

“Our soldiers stand ready to respond and address any attempt by the armed threat groups threatening the safety and well-being of the people,” Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, Army’s 1st Infantry Division chief, said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1022388