Kalinaw News: Lawless elements nabbed, firearms seized in Lanao del Sur

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 2, 2021): Lawless elements nabbed, firearms seized in Lanao del Sur



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – October 2, 2021

The military and police arrested seven (7) lawless elements and seized firearms and ammunition in a joint operation in Sitio Super, Barangay Curahab, Lanao del Sur on September 30, 2021.

According to Major General Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command, the joint operation was conducted following the harassment incident that transpired in Barangay Bunkhouse of the municipality of Malabang whereby a certain Pakong Baladeg together with Saiben Baladeg, Alican Sarip, and more or less ten (10) unidentified personalities harassed the residence of Wing Marohom. Troops of the 1st Marine Brigade together with personnel from Malabang Municipal Police Station and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company immediately responded to the area.

“I commend the troops of the 1st Marine Brigade and our police counterparts for the quick response that led to the apprehension of seven (7) lawless elements. I, therefore, enjoin all soldiers to remain vigilant at all times. Let us not permit the malefactors to disrupt the peace in the communities,” Major General Rosario, Jr stated.

Operating troops then conducted pursuit operations at the suspected house of the perpetrators thus their arrest. The apprehended personalities were identified as Alican Sarip, 42 years old; Tataw Sarip, 34; Taop Rauf, 19; Jojo Marohom, 28; Naim Abdul, 33; Ryan Sarip, 18; and Faisal Dima, 31, all from Malabang. Seized by the government forces were five (5) M16A1 rifles, one (1) 50 cal. Barret, one (1) M79 rifle; two (2) cal. 45 and one (1) cal. 38 pistols; one (1) hand grenade; and assorted ammunition.

“The Marines in Lanao del Sur will never tolerate any form of armed lawlessness to thrive and disrupt the socio-economic and political stability in Malabang,” said Brigadier General Jonas Lumawag, Commander of 1st Marine Brigade. “This operation is part of the efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to prevent and counter violent extremism. The success of the operation against armed lawless elements is a manifestation of the robust partnership between the Marines and Police in Lanao del Sur”.

The group of Pakong Baladeg was responsible for the harassment triggered by the existing conflict (rido) between the Marohom and Baladeg groups. Troops are in pursuit of Baladeg and his remaining cohorts. Apprehended personalities were brought to Malabang MPS for thorough investigation and gathering of comprehensive information.

Major General Juvymax Uy, Commander of Joint Task Force Central underscored the importance of this accomplishment. “This operation contributes primarily to the government’s drive against loose firearms in order to maintain the peace and security in the south and central Mindanao as the national and local elections approaches,” the commander said. He also urged the communities and residents of Lanao del Sur and its nearby provinces to help and cooperate with the security forces in ensuring a safe and peaceful community by reporting the presence of suspicious individuals and groups to the nearest AFP and PNP installations in their respective localities.

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