Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: WESTMINCOM: Troops seize firearms, ammunition in Maguindanao del Sur

Monday, May 22, 2023

WESTMINCOM: Troops seize firearms, ammunition in Maguindanao del Sur

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (May 21, 2023): Troops seize firearms, ammunition in Maguindanao del Sur

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – May 21, 2023

Troops of the 90th Infantry Battalion recovered assorted firearms and ammunition during a clearing operation in Barangay Galakit, Pagalungan, Maguindanao del Sur on May 18, 2023.

Soldiers were alerted upon hearing three rounds of gunfire believed to be from an M16 rifle coming from the direction of Sitio Gorreon, same barangay. Troops immediately coordinated with the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company and Pagalungan Municipal Police Station regarding the incident. Operating troops then conducted foot patrol to conduct an investigation related to the incident.

While conducting patrol, soldiers noticed four armed individuals which prompted them to conceal behind the trees and take a vantage position. Upon confirmation of the presence of armed individuals, troops tactically crawled toward their location. However, the targets sensed the approaching forces and scampered in different directions.

Troops scoured the area and recovered one M16 rifle, one M14 rifle, two cal. 45 pistols, and assorted magazines and ammunition. The recovered firearms, ammunition, and other items were turned over to Pagalungan MPS for proper disposition and appropriate case build-up.

Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, Commander of Western Mindanao Command, said positive results of the military’s operations are attributed to the continued support of the populace, local government units, and other stakeholders.

“With our shared commitment to maintain peace, we are sure to win over any kinds of threat that hinder communities to be peaceful and progressive,” Lt. Gen. Galido added.