ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Government forces recovered high-powered firearms following a clash against a group of lawless elements in Lanao del Norte, military officials said Monday.
Capt. Clint Antipala, the Army’s 1st Infantry Division information officer, said the firefight occurred around 9:50 a.m. Saturday in Barangay Karkum, Sapad, Lanao del Norte.
Antipala said the troops from the Army’s 5th Mechanized Battalion were on security patrol when they encountered some 20 members of the Norjamal Tomarompong group, who are reportedly engaged in kidnapping, extortion, and other criminal activities in Lanao del Norte.
He said the firefight lasted for about 35 minutes before the gunmen scampered to different directions.
The troops recovered five high-powered firearms consisting of one M-14, one M-16 Armalite, two Garand rifles, and one rifle grenade as well as several rounds of ammunition, the Army official said.
Lt. Col. Rolando Orengo, the Army’ 5th Mechanized Battalion commander, said no one among the government forces was hurt while the gunmen were believed to have sustained casualties as traces of bloodstains were found in their withdrawal route.
“Our troops were able to out-maneuver the armed group even if they were in a well-fortified position,” Orengo said.
Brig. Gen. Ezra James Enriquez, Army’s 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade commander, who has operational jurisdiction over Lanao del Norte, urged the wounded armed elements to surrender so that they can be given proper medical treatment.
Enriquez also urged the people to cooperate and report to proper authorities “if there is a presence of armed groups in their communities”.
Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, Army’s 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (the Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, lauded the troops for the successful encounter and the recovery of firearms.
“I urge everyone to continue our efforts in pursuing lasting peace not just for Mindanao but for the whole country. Let us conquer the challenges ahead of us and step up the momentum in sustaining our gains for our common aspiration,” Ancan said. (PNA)
