AUTHORITIES have arrested 19 people, including the village chief of Barangay Kinawe, Libona town in Bukidnon province, at around 2 a.m. Saturday, April 21, for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
A firefight erupted when police and military troopers served six search warrants for the five houses owned by Kinawe village chief Cherry Barros, who was arrested together with her two sons, Michael and Peter Gore Jr.
Superintendent Melgar Devaras, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Cagayan de Oro deputy chief, said the firefight lasted for about 30 minutes.
Three government soldiers -- Corporals Rafael Salido, Fernando Dumpa Jr., and Daniel Manatad -- were wounded during the gunfight.
First Lieutenant Tere Ingente, spokesperson of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), said the soldiers are now in stable condition.
Devaras, the raiding team’s leader, said two of Barros’ cohorts were able to escape in the ensuing firefight. One of the suspects who escaped was Cherry Barros' husband, Tarsicio Barros, also the former village chief of Kinawe.
Devaras said they are investigating the alleged private army of the Barros family.
The warrants were issued by Judge Mirabeaus Undalok of the 10th Judicial Region, Branch 43, based in Gingoog City.
Also arrested were Jenny Cris Balucan, Jenifer Bartolaba, Arlene Valeriano, Merlie Flores, Marializa Ponce, Renee Fe, Marje Yap Dontar, Jon Eric Medina, Jonie Quilicot, Melito Maning, Nicasio Ponce, Zosimo Bation, Monry Villanueva, Joseph Padayhag, Juniel Dontar, and Solomon Flores.
Police recovered some 12 assorted firearms, all of which were said to be owned by her Tarsicio Barros.