TWO suspects, including a high-profile criminal, were killed while one was arrested in separate law enforcement operations against illegal drugs and weapons in the two Maguindanao provinces, the military said Saturday, July 19.
Killed were Jomar Dandugan, and Porok Marandakan Ragundo. Arrested was Boy Mangayao.
Lieutenant Colonel Erwin Jay Dumaghan, 40th Infantry Battalion commander, said Dandugan was killed in a shootout around 11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 17, in Barangay Pagagawan, Datu Montawal, Maguindanao del Sur.
Dumaghan said the shootout ensued when the suspects resisted and opened fire while the joint military and police operatives were serving warrant of arrest against Thoks Santuwa Adta for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Dumaghan said Adta was able to escape while Mangayao was arrested by the operatives.
He said the operatives have seized a caliber .45 pistol with ammunition and suspected shabu packed in five heat-sealed sachets.
Mongayao was placed under the custody of Datu Montawal Municipal Police Station in preparation for the filing of charges against him.
Meanwhile, Ragundo was killed in another shootout around 9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 17, in Sitio Barikid, Barangay Kurusoyan, Barira, Maguindanao del Norte.
The shootout broke out when Ragundo opened fire, instead of surrendering, forcing the joint operatives of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-2 (MBLT-2) and policemen to retaliate, resulting to his death.
The 6th Infantry Division (6ID) said that the operatives were serving warrant against Ragundo when the shootout happened.
The 6ID said Ragundo has pending charges of murder, frustrated murder, and robbery.
An informant confided to the MBLT-2 and police operatives that Ragundo was planning to sell weapons in Sitio Barikid, Barangay Kurusoyan.
Seized from Ragundo were an M-16 and an M-14 rifles, magazines and ammunition, a grenade, and a holster for a caliber .45 pistol.
The 6ID said that Ragundo is a member of an armed group involved in illegal activities that include contract killing, robbery-holdup, and illegal drug trade.
“These successful operations reflect the strong relationship and coordination between the AFP and the PNP. We continue to strengthen law enforcement support to make our communities safe from the threat of illegal drugs, weapons, and armed groups. I commend our troops for their bravery and swift action,” said Major General Donald Gumiran, 6ID and Joint Task Force (JTF)-Central commander. (SunStar Zamboanga)