AUTHORITIES have apprehended eight members of a drug group following a firefight in the province of Tawi-Tawi, the military reported.
Brigadier General Romeo Racadio, 2nd Marine Brigade commander, said the suspects were apprehended following a brief firefight Wednesday, August 24, 2022, in Sitio Upper Maalum, Magsaggaw village, Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi.
Racadio, who is also the Joint Task Force (JTF)-Tawi-Tawi commander, said that prior to the firefight, the troops received a report that members of the drug group led by a certain Akmad, were firing indiscriminately in Sitio Upper Maalum, Magsaggaw village.
Racadio said the firefight ensued when the joint responding team consisting of marine troops and policemen retaliated after they were fired upon by the drug group members.
“The exchange of fires lasted shortly after which the enemies fled,” Racadio said.
He said eight members of the drug group were apprehended in pursuit operation that followed after the brief firefight.
He identified them as follows: Sala Ahmad; Khyber Boca; Alsaib Sahirun; Hussin Tati Amihaji; Jan-Jan Tati Hussin; Temhar Muhadil Lensahan; Adzmal Kiram Mandih; and Jullymar Dao Aruyo.
He said seized from the suspects were one KG9 9-millimeter pistol; one rifle grenade; 13 heat-sealed plastic sachets of suspected shabu; five analog mobile phones; four smartphones; 155 Malaysian Ringgit; P6,634 cash in different denominations; personal belongings; assorted magazines and ammunition; documents; and drug paraphernalia.
He said the apprehended suspects and recovered pieces of evidence were turned over to Panglima Sugala Municipal Police Station for proper disposition and filing of appropriate charges. (SunStar Zamboanga)