Soldiers arrest three alleged members of Maute group in Lanao del Sur

September 20, 2019

Soldiers apprehended three alleged members of the Maute terrorist group in Lanao del Sur last Wednesday.

Major Arvin Encinas, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command spokesman, said the suspects were arrested by  troops of 49th and 82nd Infantry Battalions in the vicinity of Barangay Paridi, Piagapo at around 5 am.

He said arrested were Janla Tangolo, 20, Arapat Tangolo, 22, and Kamarudin Sultan, 20.

Encinas said soldiers recovered two M-14 and Bushmaster 5.56 assault rifles, one caliber 38 pistol, magazines, ammunition, and bandoliers.

Brig. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade,  said the operation was conducted in response to the reported presence of the local terrorist.

“Military forces launched the operation after being tipped off by a civilian in the area. We are elated to receive information from communities in the area, and this cooperation often bears positive results which advance our internal security campaign in Lanao provinces,” he said.

Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, commander of Joint Task Force ZamPeLan, said  “the report from civilians is an evidence of their desire for peaceful and secured communities,”

“We encourage others to be courageous, continuously trust our troops, and report any local terrorist’s presence in order to sustain the gains of peace and development in Western Mindanao,” he said.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command chief, noted that “the involvement and empowerment of people are integral in our goal to achieve inclusive and genuine security and development in Mindanao.”

“By this feat, we are impelled to exert our diligent efforts in order to sustain our accomplishments against terrorist groups in Mindanao,” he said. Robina Asido/DMS