CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao del Norte – The military, in coordination with local law enforcement, successfully foiled an attempted sabotage by an armed lawless group following an operation in Barangay Kapinpilan, Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur, on March 17, 2025.
According to Lt. Col. Loqui O. Marco, commander of the 90th Infantry (Bigkis-Lahi) Battalion, the operation was conducted around 5:30 AM by elements of the 90IB, Ampatuan Municipal Police Station, and the Provincial Mobile Force Company of Maguindanao. As a result, seventeen individuals were apprehended, and two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered and safely disposed of.
In addition, a firefight ensued between the troops and the armed lawless group, leading to the confiscation of six high-powered firearms, including two M16 rifles and four M14 rifles.
Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, Commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, commended the swift action of the troops, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to security. “The quick and effective response of our troops is a testament to our ongoing determination to suppress security threats in our territory. We will not let groups that attempt to sow unrest in our communities succeed,” he stated.
Similarly, Major General Donald M. Gumiran, Commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, praised the coordinated efforts of the army and police. “This success is the result of the close coordination and dedication of our army and police to maintaining peace and order. We will continue to intensify our operations to ensure that groups aiming to disrupt peace in our region will not be able to operate freely,” said Maj. Gen. Gumiran.
The military has urged the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activities to the authorities to help maintain security and order in their communities.
