Armed man killed in clash; crime group member arrested

AN ARMED man was killed in a clash in the province of Sultan Kudarat, military officials said Friday, May 1.

Major General Diosdado Carreon, Joint Task Force Center commander, said the armed man was killed in a clash around 5 a.m. Thursday, April 30, at Sitio Kamanga in Laguilayan village, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

Carreon said the clash ensued when the troops of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion chanced upon five armed men while on security operation in Sitio Kamanga.

The firefight lasted for about 20 minutes that resulted to the death of one of the armed men, whose remains the troops have recovered.

“Our combat operations are currently being intensified to pressure the lawless elements, drive them away from their strongholds, and convince them to yield,” he said.

He said the troops also recovered a Garand rifle with four clips and 38 rounds of ammunition; three 45 caliber pistols; four magazines with 26 live ammunition; one backpack; one bandolier; one memory card; and notes with cellphone numbers.

“We remain decisive in our campaign to end the unlawful activities of the lawless groups and bring peace and security in Western and Central Mindanao,” said Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

Meanwhile, Sobejana identified the arrested crime group member as Halid Ameril.

He said Ameril is a member of the Rhapakhar, which is involved in gun-for-hire activities and gun smuggling in the province of Lanao del Norte.

Sobejana said Ameril was arrested Thursday in the village of Dansalan, Sapad, Lanao del Norte by joint military and police forces.

Seized from the possession of Ameril were one M-16 Colt AR-15 rifle, one M-14 rifle, a hand-held radio transceiver, magazines and ammunition.

Sobejana attributed the arrest of Ameril to the strong inter-agency collaboration, which “is very vital in the implementation of joint law enforcement operations,”

He also attributed the successful operation to the aggressive stance of the peace-loving citizens against lawlessness and criminality in their community. (SunStar Zamboanga)