Kalinaw News: Firearms seized during security operations in Cotabato

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 7, 2021): Firearms seized during security operations in Cotabato



One low-powered and four high-powered firearms were seized by army troops who were conducting security operations in Pikit, Cotabato on October 5, 2021.

Western Mindanao Command Chief, Maj. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr. said combined elements of the 90th Infantry Battalion and 3rd Cavalry Company were providing area security assistance to the Commission on Elections Office at Pikit Municipal Hall when they noticed two firearms displayed in plain view at the back of a Toyota pick-up bearing plate number DAD 9596 that was approaching the location. Said firearms were later covered partially with a blanket with the barrels still visible.

The troops immediately flagged down the said vehicle and seized the two visible firearms in violation of the COMELEC Gun Ban in connection with the filing of the Certificate of Candidacy from October 1 to 8, 2021. When they inspected the car, three more firearms were recovered at the front passenger’s seat.

Seized were four M16 A1 rifles, 27 long magazines, one short magazine, 850 rounds of 5.56 ammunition, three bandoleers, and one cal. 45 pistol with six magazines and 45 rounds of ammunition. Said firearms and ammunition were brought to 90IB ACP in Barangay Ladtingan, same municipality for documentation and safekeeping.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of Joint Task Force Central said the driver and owner of the Toyota pick-up was identified as Mr. Benjamin Mantol a.k.a. Datu Mama, the Punong Barangay of Talitay, Pikit, Cotabato. He and his three companions were interrogated and were subsequently released by the Chief of Police of Pikit Municipal Police Station in coordination with the operating troops.

“We will continue to assist the police in enforcing security during the period of the national and local elections to ensure that no election-related crimes will be perpetrated,” said Maj. Gen. Rosario, Jr.

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