Government troops encounter lawless elements, 1 killed and firearms recovered

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 9): Government troops encounter lawless elements, 1 killed and firearms recovered

Military and police operations under Joint Task Force “ZAMPELAN” recently encountered lawless elements at Sitio Kabatuyan, Brgy Panabutan, Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.

The operating troops of the 42ND Infantry Battalion led by 1Lt Jaynon C Basoy and PNP under PO2 Roel Reyes were conducting combat operations at the vicinity of the area when they encountered more or less ten lawless elements under Jumilon Tukalan.

Earlier, on March 04, 2018, the same group abducted five alleged illegal loggers at Sitio Upper Lukungan, Brgy Panabutan, Sirawai. On the same day, some concerned civilians of Brgy Sipakit, Sirawai reported that they have seen the group together with the 5 abducted persons at the dumpsite of Brgy Sipakit.

The said illegal loggers, all residents of Brgy San Vicente, Sirawai, were identified as: Jomar Mantanga, 25 years old; Roger Jungan, 36 years old; Raymond Purisima, 14 years old; Jemar Maglangit, 26 years old; and Mario Rosales, 46 years old.

The firefight, which lasted for about ten minutes compelled the enemies to withdraw heading towards the northeast direction of Sirawai. Troops recovered the body of one (1) unidentified enemy, one (1) M1 Garand rifle; one (1) calibre .45 pistol; one (1) M16 handguard; one (1) cellular phone, some pieces of empty shells and several personal belongings. There was no casualty on the government troops.

Under the stewardship of Lt Col Danilo G Ambe, the 42IB is continuously conducting combat operations together with police counterparts in their area of responsibility to track down and eventually defeat lawless groups that disturb the peaceful life of the civilian community.

“Reports of the civilian populace were very vital in tracking down the enemy locations leading to the successful encounters of our units. The clashes of 42IB with another lawless elements known as “Sumiggal group” in another municipality of Kalawit in the previous months also indicate the active participation of the civilian communities in our efforts to attain peace in Zamboanga Peninsula,” Col Francisco Ariel A Felicidario III, 102nd Brigade Commander declared.

“Our soldiers stand ready to respond and address any attempt by the armed groups threatening the safety and well-being of the people,” said Maj Gen Roseller G Murillo AFP, 1st ID Commander as he lauded the operating troops for the successful encounter.

“Let us continue to actively support Law Enforcement Support Operations until the final defeat of the lawless groups in our area of responsibility”, he concluded.

http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1005660