Troops defuse tension by alleged private armed groups in Maguindanao

May 17, 2019

Government troops intervened in tension caused by alleged private armies by two local candidates and recovered firearms and other war materiel in a military operation in Maguindanao on Thursday.

Major Arvin Encinas, spokesman of the 6th Infantry Division, said troops of 90th Infantry Battalion and 61st Division Reconnaissance Company launched an operation following a reported fire fight between alleged private armed groups of vice mayoral candidates Montasir Sabal and Suraida Ameril in Brgy Bentan, Talitay early this week.

“This military response is in an effort to contain the escalation of conflict and protect the civilian community in the area,” he said.

“Hundreds of residents in the area were forced to flee to safer areas giving way to the pacification effort of JTF Central troopers. They were immediately taken cared of by (Joint Task Force) JTF Central forces in close coordination with the LGU in the area and other concerned stakeholders,” he added.

Encinas said the troops conducted clearing operation to restore normalcy.

“During the course of clearing the area, the troops were able to recover one M-16 rifle, four M-653 rifles, two M-203 rifles, two M-14 rifles, one M-79 rifle, one Garrand rifle, two Thomsons, one carbine, one homemade shotgun, one KG9 Luger, one 60 mm mortar, one Baofing radio, 15 pieces large plastic drums suspected to be anti-personnel mine, 12 PVC anti-personnel mine and four hand grenades,” he said.

Lt. Col. Crizaldo Fernandez, commanding officer of 90th Infantry Battalion, said the war materiel were left by the private armed group.

“We recovered these war materiel which were hastily left along the route of withdrawal of the private armed groups. Our clearing operations continue to this time ,” he said.

Encinas said the 3rd Explosive Ordnance Disposal of the Philippine Army are also checking plastic drums suspected to contain anti-personnel mine components and illegal substance for bomb making.

He said as of Thursday, the displaced residents have returned to their respective homes. Robina Asido/DMS