Lawless element killed in Zamboanga Sibugay

March 28, 2019

A lawless element was killed while another one was arrested in a law enforcement operation in Zamboanga Sibugay on Wednesday morning.

Capt. Clint Antipala, public affairs officer of the 1st Infantry Division, said the troops of Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion and Philippine National Police personnel were conducting joint law enforcement operation when they encounter the lawless elements in the vicinity of Barangay La Paz, Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay around 10 am.

Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, 44th Infantry Battalion commander, said during the operation the authorities arrested Reynante Alih Abelilla while certain Kaizer Cuarto Cruz was killed.

“Our troops are on their way to serve warrant of arrest for Reynante Alih Abelilla for the violation of comprehensive law on firearms and ammunition when they were fired upon by the lawless armed group”, he said.

"The 30 minute encounter also resulted into one killed lawless element identified as Kaizer Cuarto Cruz and a member of the Brahama Ali Group which is notorious in kidnap for ransom and various illegal activities particularly on illegal drugs," he added.

Antipala said the troops also recovered one caliber .45 pistol, one hand grenade and 25 grams of illegal drugs (shabu) with a street value of 170,000 pesos during the operation.

"The arrested lawless element is now with the PNP custody for proper filing of appropriate charges and proper disposition," he said.

Antipala said Brigadier General Roberto Ancan, the 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, ''commended the efforts of the troops."

“The Tabak Troopers in collaboration with the PNP will intensify joint law enforcement operation to protect the people and communities against lawless elements,” Ancan said. Robina Asido/DMS