Camp Siongco, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao del Norte – Nine high-powered firearms were confiscated by military troops following separate checkpoint operations in Maguindanao del Sur on February 13, 2025.
Colonel Edgar L. Catu, Commander of the 601st Brigade, immediately ordered the intensified military checkpoints after a shooting incident involving ABC President Edris Sangki and Barangay Treasurer Abdul Latip of Brgy. Kaya-Kaya, Datu Abdullah Sangki. The attack occurred at around 9:40 AM.
According to the investigation, the suspects were aboard a white minivan when they fired upon the two victims, who were riding a motorcycle. In response, the military swiftly conducted a support-to-law-enforcement operation, leading to the seizure of firearms from the fleeing suspects.
During the operation, the 33rd Infantry (Makabayan) Battalion recovered three M16A1 Elisco Colt rifles, one Colt M16, two M14 rifles, five bandoliers, magazines, and ammunition from the abandoned white minivan found near the Kaya-Kaya detachment at around 3:00 PM. This was confirmed by Lt. Col. Udgie Villan, commander of the 33IB.
Later, at approximately 4:30 PM, the 90th Infantry (Bigkis-Lahi) Battalion, under the leadership of Lt. Col. Loqui Marco, retrieved one M653 rifle and two M14 rifles from an abandoned house in Sitio Buluan, Barangay Kakal, Ampatuan, following reports from concerned residents.
Brigadier General Donald M. Gumiran, Commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force-Central, commended the swift and effective action of the military forces in collaboration with other government agencies.
“The immediate response of our troops demonstrates our continued dedication to maintaining peace and order in the region. Despite the suspects’ attempts to escape, we remained relentless in tracking their movements, successfully recovering firearms that could have been used for further violence, especially during this election period,” Brig. Gen. Gumiran stated.
The 6ID has assured the public of intensified operations to uphold security and ensure the safety of residents in Maguindanao del Sur.
