Hunt on for ex-Sulu vice mayor as 6K evacuated due to clashes

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 26, 2023): Hunt on for ex-Sulu vice mayor as 6K evacuated due to clashes (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

MANILA – Authorities continue to mount pursuit operations against a former vice mayor of Maimbung, Sulu and his private armed group (PAG) who figured in a gunfight with government troops over the weekend which left two dead, including a policeman.

In a presser in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Monday, Philippine National Police (PNP) Public Information Office chief Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said the suspect Pando Mudjasan is reported to be employing armed civilians and keeping in his possession loose firearms and explosives.

Joint police and military units encountered an undetermined number of armed men during the service of a warrant of arrest for murder and implementation of search warrants against Mudjasan for violation of Republic Act (RA) 10591 (illegal possession of firearms) and RA 9516 (illegal possession of explosives) in Barangay Bualo Lipid, Maimbung, Sulu at around 7 a.m. on June 24.

“Accordingly, the subject of the SW, Pando Mudjasan, was in the area which is fortified, which means the area where he is staying has layers of defense. While government troops led by the CIDG and supported by the SAF and the AFP were approaching vice mayor Mudjasan’s place an encounter ensued which eventually became intense as there was a heavy exchange of gunfire,” Maranan told reporters.

He also said the PRO Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was placed on the highest security alert status as part of the defensive measures and pursuit operations against the subjects of warrant of arrest.

Meanwhile, the Sulu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said 1,174 families or 6,674 individuals in three barangays were evacuated due to the clashes.

“Ayon sa report ng ating RD (regional director) at yung mga inilikas na sibilyan doon sa lugar kung saan naganap yung engkuwentro ay hindi pa natin pinababalik sapagkat naroon pa rin yung ating mga hinahanap at possible magkaroon pa ng mga engkuwentro. (According to the report of our RD and evacuated civilians, the encounter took place and we have not sent them back because the ones we are looking for might still be there and it is likely that there would be clashes again),” Maranan said.

The PDRRMO also said one member of the SAF was killed while 14 troops were wounded in the clash. Some of the wounded personnel were brought to an undisclosed medical facility for immediate treatment.

Maranan said that upon the instruction of PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., those wounded will be receiving the necessary medical attention and that their families will get all necessary assistance to aid in their fast recovery

Additionally, one member of the 7th Special Action Battalion unit, identified as Pat. Regim Gacod was declared dead on arrival at Maimbung Hospital.

The government forces were not able to arrest Mudjasan because he was alerted due to the early start of the firefight.

Recovered items from the operation include one M14 rifle, four magazines, assorted ammunition and personal items.

The CIDG has taken custody of the seized pieces of evidence for documentation and proper disposition. The cadaver of a neutralized individual identified as Muhammad Ladja, who is allegedly from Mudjasan's side, was claimed by immediate relatives.

"I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Pat Gacod, rest assured that the benefits due our fallen comrade will be given immediately to his family. I also extend my sympathies to those operating members who were injured in the recent firefight," Acorda said in a separate statement.

"I commend the valor and dedication displayed by our law enforcement personnel who participated in the operations. Despite the inherent risks involved, they fearlessly carried out their duty to serve and protect our communities. Their commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining peace and order is truly admirable. The PNP will use all our assets and forces to hunt down those people who are involved and we will not stop until they are behind bars," Acorda added.

He also stated that the PNP remains steadfast in its commitment to protect and serve the Filipino people and will continue to enhance its operational capabilities to go after private armed groups.

The former vice mayor has standing warrants of arrest for double murder, multiple murder, two counts of frustrated murder and for violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regular Act.

The Area Police Command-Western Mindanao (APC-WM) said Mudjasan's group is a potential private armed group that may be utilized in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on Oct. 30.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1204277