QUESTIONABLE FIREARMS. Members of Task Force Davao and Toril Police Office arrested Army Pfc. Mohammad Kitig (seated) of the 6th Infantry Division-Civil Military Operation Battalion, after he was flagged down at a Davao City checkpoint in Toril district on Wednesday (Sept. 7, 2022). Seven firearms were found inside the suspect’s vehicle. (Photo courtesy of Toril Police Station)
COTABATO CITY – The Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) will cooperate with Task Force Davao (TF-Davao) following the arrest of one of its personnel with high-powered firearms while entering Davao City, an official said Thursday.
Lt. Col. Dennis Almorato, the 6ID Civil-Military Operations Battalion commander, said they were surprised by the news about the arrest Wednesday of Pfc. Mohammad Kitig at the TF-Davao Sirawan checkpoint in Davao City.
TF-Davao personnel found inside Kitig's Kia Optima vehicle seven firearms, gun parts and ammunition.
Among the gun items seized were four Carbine rifles, an Army-issued .45-caliber pistol, two upper receivers for R4 rifles, two lower receivers for R4 rifles, firearm clips and various ammunition.
“I was surprised to hear the news because we have no idea he was into gun-running, but we have to wait for the investigation to be completed,” Almorato said of Kitig.
Kitig, who was assigned to the CMO Battalion just over a month from his previous assignment in Maguindanao, is facing administrative charges.
Almorato was unable to disclose those charges.
Maj. Gen. Roy Galido, the 6ID commander, immediately ordered a deeper probe, even as he assured the public that he is not tolerating illegal activities by any of the 6th ID trooper.
Maj. Carol Jabagat, Toril police station commander, said Kitig could not present documents that he is legally allowed to possess and transport of high-powered guns, which is a violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Illegal Possession of Firearms and Explosives.
Kitig has not issued any statement to the press as of posting. (PNA)
