Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur – January 4, 2025
Four civilians were apprehended by the 53rd Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army in Barangay Kanipaan, Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur, after being found in possession of firearms and wearing military uniforms. The suspects were identified as Jeymar, 52, and Lito, 31, both from Barangay Datagan; Arnel, 29, from Barangay Matin-ao; and Jhimboy, 23, from Barangay Conacon.
According to Sgt. Joel Estrebor of the 53rd IB, the arrest followed a tip received at 9:00 PM from their headquarters about individuals dressed in old Philippine Army uniforms and heading toward Barangay Kanipaan. A squad led by 1Lt. Kim Cedrick Lemus immediately responded to investigate.
Upon arrival at the location around 9:50 PM, the squad discovered a firearm in the possession of one of the suspects. Further inspection of their bags revealed additional weapons. The arrested individuals were taken to the Bayog Police Station’s custodial facility for proper disposition and potential filing of charges.
Political Tensions in Bayog Escalate
The arrests have added fuel to the ongoing political tension between Bayog Mayor Celso Matias and former Congressman Jun Babasa, who are set to face off in the 2025 mayoral elections. Reports allege that individuals linked to Mayor Matias have been harassing residents in remote areas of the municipality, posing as soldiers while carrying firearms.
In a press conference, Mayor Matias admitted that the arrested individuals were municipal employees on the payroll but denied giving orders for any illegal activities. He criticized the military for what he described as politically motivated actions, questioning the legitimacy of the arrests and the evidence presented.
The mayor called for neutrality from the military in local politics and hinted at potential legal action against the soldiers involved, stating, “The military should not be used as a tool in political disputes.”
Tribal Community Outcry
The arrests also sparked dismay from the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) community in Bayog. Timuay Lucenio Manda, a tribal chieftain, expressed sorrow upon learning that the suspects, who were allegedly involved in harassment in their area, were also members of the IPs. Manda lamented the divisive effects of political conflicts on their community.
Release of Suspects Raises Questions
In a surprising turn, the four suspects were reportedly released from detention after the arrests were deemed illegal due to insufficient evidence. Mayor Matias claimed that the weapons allegedly recovered from the suspects’ possession might have been planted.
Meanwhile, Police Major Lakan Harry Velez, Bayog’s police chief, issued a stern warning against the use of hired political goons by politicians in the upcoming elections. He assured the public of intensified efforts to ensure peace and order in the municipality.
This incident underscores the growing tensions as Bayog braces for the 2025 elections, with political rivalries threatening to disrupt the community’s peace and stability.