Military, police arrest four alleged members of armed group in Zamboanga Sibugay

December 16, 2020

Military and police forces apprehended four alleged members of a lawless armed group in Zamboanga Sibugay on Tuesday morning.

Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. said the operating troops conducted a joint law enforcement operation against the  Balimbingan Group in Barangay Tigabon, municipality of Malangas" at 5 am on Tuesday.

Vinluan said the search warrant was issued by Judge Jeric Kagaoan of RTC, 9th Judicial Region, Branch 31, Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay.

"The operation resulted in the apprehension of four of its members identified as Usman Esmail Balimbingan, Toto Lawadin Balimbingan, Mujahid Sensi Balimbingan, and Alih Sensi Balimbingan,” he said.

According to 102nd Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Leonel Nicolas, the Balimbingan Group is involved in piracy, extortion, gun running, kidnapping, and illegal drug trade in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Recovered from the apprehended personalities’ were one M16 rifle, one KG9-sub machine gun, and four pistols.

JTF ZamPeLan Commander Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio commended the operating troops.

Vinluan said apprehended personalities and recovered items were bought to CIDG 9 headquarters in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay Province for proper filing of cases and appropriate disposition.

“We will continue to intensify our intelligence and focused operations to eliminate all terrorists and lawless elements in our area of operation,” he said. Robina Asido/DMS