TROOPS have apprehended a tricycle driver and seized three high-powered firearms while on a checkpoint operation in the province of North Cotabato, the military reported Friday, April 22.
Major General Juvymax Uy, commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF)-Central, identified the tricycle driver as Avier Amal, 28, a resident of Damatulan village, Midsayap, North Cotabato.
Uy said that Amal was arrested in possession of one M653 carbine and two M14 rifles around 4:15 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, in Kapinpilan village, Midsayap.
Uy said the troops of the 34th Infantry Battalion conducted a checkpoint operation after they received a report that a tricycle transporting high-powered firearms will traverse the Datu Piang-Nabalawag road going to Midsayap proper that resulted in the arrest of the suspect.
The confiscated firearms, tricycle and the driver were taken to the headquarters of the 34IB in Salunayan village, Midsayap for further investigation.
Lieutenant General Alfredo Rosario Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the troops have intensified the campaign against loose firearms, especially during this election period.
"We extend our appreciation to the concerned citizen who fed us with the information and we urge everyone to do the same. Let us help one another to prevent anyone to spoil our anticipated peaceful election," Rosario said. (SunStar Zamboanga)