Friday, April 5, 2019

Lanao Sur cops on heightened alert after clash with MILF

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2019): Lanao Sur cops on heightened alert after clash with MILF


CAMP S. K. PENDATUN, Maguindanao -- Police authorities in Lanao del Sur remained on heightened alert following what authorities described as an “unfortunate” incident in Madamba town on Thursday.

In that incident, five persons, including four members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) facing criminal charges, were killed. The clash also resulted in the wounding of eight police officers, while a police officer went missing.

Brig. Gen. Graciano Mijares, police director of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), ordered all police units in the province to raise the alert status, establish more checkpoints, and take steps to de-escalate the Madamba incident.

At 1 a.m. on April 4, policemen serving arrest warrants for murder against four MILF members were fired upon by the suspects in Barangay Ilian, Madamba, Mijares said.

The suspects were identified as Usop Malubay Abdulaziz; Abdulaziz Macalatas Abombay; Zanodin Moro Macalatas Ameril; Alican Macabuntal alias Makig Usman; and Usman Barating Macabuntal.

Mijares said the incident resulted in a fierce gun battle that lasted several hours, leading to the death of four MILF fighters and a still unidentified person. Police recovered high-powered firearms from slain wanted persons.

“That time, no casualty was reported on the side of the law enforcers headed by Police Lt. Col. Edgar Batoon,” Mijares said.

However, as soon as the police completed the mission and were about to leave Madamba, heavily-armed relatives of the slain suspects arrived and opened fire on the police officers, triggering another gun battle.

Eight police officers were injured and one was reported missing, later identified as Police Cpl. Gilbert Males.

The wounded police officers were rushed to the Amai Pakpak Hospital in Marawi City where Mijares awarded them with wounded personnel medals.

Mirajes admitted that civilians were caught in the crossfire and sustained wounds. They were identified as Rohaida Padilla, 32 and her son Azis Amladin, 12.

An update said the missing police officer was alive and managed to get in touch with his superiors.

A rescue mission is in progress as of Friday morning.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066550

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