A MEMBER of a notorious crime group and a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel were killed in separate government operations in the provinces of Maguindanao del Norte and Sultan Kudarat, the military said Sunday, April 20.
Brigadier General Romulo Quemado, II, 1st Marine Brigade commander, said Norsaidie Samo Tato, a member of the Tato Crime Group, was killed in a clash around 5 a.m. of Good Friday, April 18, in Meti village, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
The Tato Group is a well-known armed group involved in criminal activities in Meti village, Datu Blah Sinsuat.
Quemado said Tato was killed in a clash after the troops of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-5 together with police and other security agencies launched an offensive against the crime group.
He said the troops recovered at the clash site a shotgun, a Springfield Armory caliber .45 pistol, and a caliber .22 pistol with a scope. Also recovered were magazines and ammunition, a grenade, five handheld radios, as well as two passports and two identification cards.
Meanwhile, the NPA rebel was killed in a clash around 5 p.m., also on Good Friday, April 18, in Purok Patyog, Banali village, Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat.
The clash ensued when the troops of the 7th Infantry Battalion responded to a report by residents that an armed group was extorting money from farmers, businessmen, and even political candidates in Purok Patyog, Banali village.
The troops recovered an M-16 Armalite rifle from the clash site.
Brigadier General Michael Santos, 603rd Infantry Brigade commander, said the military troops remain alert despite the observance of the Holy Week.
Meanwhile, Major General Donald Gumiran, 6th Infantry Division and the Joint Task Force (JTF)-Central commander, lauded the troops for the successful operation.
“I wholeheartedly commend our soldiers from MBLT-5 and 7IB for their prompt and effective action against armed groups that continue to instill fear in our communities. These successes reflect the high level of professionalism, dedication, and sacrifice of our soldiers for peace and security, even though most of them are observing the Holy Week,” Gumiran said in a statement.
We will continue to advance military operations to end the threat of terrorism and achieve a peaceful and secure region for all,” he added.
He extended condolences to the families of the slain NPA rebel and once again called on the remaining members of the terrorist groups to return to the folds of the law and live peacefully with their loved ones. (SunStar Zamboanga)