SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao del Sur – A coordinated law enforcement operation conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) successfully recovered a carnapped sport utility vehicle (SUV) in Barangay Lapok, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, on Saturday, August 1, highlighting the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in combating criminal activities across the region.
The recovered vehicle, a white Toyota Fortuner bearing plate number NEU 3215, was located and secured during a Joint Law Enforcement Support Operation carried out by troops of the 34th Infantry Battalion (34IB) under the 601st Infantry Brigade, in close coordination with personnel from the Shariff Aguak Municipal Police Station.
According to Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, Commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, the operation was launched following intelligence information indicating that the carnapped vehicle had reportedly been pawned in Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat.
Further intelligence gathering revealed that the SUV had been used to travel to Davao before authorities were able to trace its exact location through a Global Positioning System (GPS), which pinpointed the vehicle in Barangay Lapok, Shariff Aguak.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence report, Brig. Gen. Catu immediately directed the conduct of a Joint Law Enforcement Support Operation.
The mission was spearheaded by the Bravo Company of the 34th Infantry Battalion, under the command of Capt. Jerson P. Balagot, alongside personnel from the Shariff Aguak Municipal Police Station led by Police Lieutenant Skylabernesto C. Guarin, Deputy Chief of Police.
The coordinated operation resulted in the successful recovery of the missing Toyota Fortuner without incident.
Following the recovery, vehicle owner Tito Villanueva Reyes personally visited the headquarters of the 601st Infantry Brigade to express his gratitude to the soldiers and police officers whose prompt response led to the retrieval of his vehicle.
Brig. Gen. Catu attributed the success of the operation to the rapid response and close coordination among the military, police, and local government officials.
“This successful operation is a result of the swift action and strong coordination among our soldiers, police officers, and local government units. The 601st Infantry Brigade remains committed to working hand in hand with the community in maintaining peace, public order, and security,” Catu said.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, Acting Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, Commander of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, and Joint Task Force Central, commended the troops of the 34th Infantry Battalion and the 601st Infantry Brigade, as well as the Philippine National Police and local government officials, for their professionalism and effective collaboration.
He emphasized that the successful recovery demonstrates the strength of unified security operations in addressing criminal activities.
“This accomplishment is proof of the strong partnership among our military forces, the Philippine National Police, and local government units in preserving peace and ensuring the safety and security of our communities,” Maj. Gen. Cagara said.
The successful recovery of the carnapped vehicle underscores the continuing commitment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and local government units to strengthen law enforcement efforts and public safety throughout the Bangsamoro region.
Authorities said the operation serves as another example of how intelligence-driven operations and seamless inter-agency coordination can produce tangible results in the fight against criminality, while reinforcing public confidence in the government’s peace and security initiatives.