AMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao del Norte – Three individuals, one of whom is a member of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group, were arrested by combined forces of the military, police, and other government branches focused on security during a law enforcement operation conducted in separate locations in Maguindanao del Sur.
Lt. Col. Ronaldo Mamangun, head of the 40th Infantry (Magiting) Battalion, identified the arrested individual as Salah Tunda, also known as Salahudin Sabpa and Botoy, a member of the DI-Hassan Group, who is facing charges of Murder and Double Frustrated Murder. The suspect was apprehended in Purok 2, Poblacion, Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur at around 1:30 PM on September 5, 2024.
Meanwhile, two other individuals were arrested after being found in possession of unlicensed firearms during an operation by elements of the 1st Mechanized Battalion along with the police in Brgy Kulasi, GSKP, Maguindanao del Sur, early this morning (September 6, 2024).
Lt. Col. Roberto F. Betita, Commanding Officer of the 1st Mechanized Battalion, identified the arrested individuals as Erap Taluyan Guiangkong alias Erap and Datu Nor Landasan Galmak. Confiscated from the suspects were an M16 A1 Rifle, an M14 rifle, a bandolier, various magazines, and ammunition.
Both Brigadier General Oriel Pangcog, Commander of the 601st Brigade, and Brigadier General Andre Santos, Commander of the 1st Mechanized Brigade, praised the military and police for the law enforcement efforts that led to the arrest of the lawless elements.
In a statement, Major General Antonio G. Nafarrete, Commander of the 6ID and JTF Central, said that the military is also focused on supporting law enforcement operations in partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and other government agencies to pursue criminals who pose a threat to public security. “Through the provision of vital information and additional forces, your soldiers in the 6ID can be relied upon in law enforcement operations. This is evidenced by the successful arrest of a member of the DI-Hassan Group and two others who are facing charges and carrying loose firearms. Their arrest equates to maintaining security, a safe community, and a peaceful region towards a better and more prosperous country,” said Maj. Gen. Nafarrete.
