October 23, 2024 | Camp Navarro, Zamboanga City – Five armed individuals were killed, and a significant cache of weapons was seized following an armed clash between government troops and a criminal group in Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte, early in the morning of October 23, 2024.
The operation occurred as the Joint Task Force (JTF) ZamPeLan, in coordination with the Criminal Investigation Detection Group (CIDG) IX and CIDG Lanao del Norte, attempted to serve a Warrant of Arrest (WOA) against alleged members of a Dawlah Islamiya (DI)-affiliated criminal group in Barangay Bangco. The armed group, led by Uya Dama alias Aragon, opened fire on the troops, resulting in a half-hour gun battle.
Lt. Gen. William Gonzales, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), confirmed that five members of the armed group, including their leader Uya Dama, were killed, one was wounded, and another was captured. The identities of the other group members are still being verified.
No casualties were reported on the government side.
Among the recovered war materiel were three M16 rifles, three Cal .30 Garand rifles, two Cal .45 pistols, two hand grenades, and assorted ammunition, including 5.56mm rounds and M16 magazines. Troops also seized two sling bags, a bandoleer, and a backpack.
“Our forces are working tirelessly to neutralize armed groups that hinder the achievement of lasting peace in our area of responsibility,” Lt. Gen. Gonzales said, emphasizing that the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan is continuously coordinating with the Philippine National Police to reinforce security operations against remaining militant groups in the region.
