Firearms seized from gunmen in Filipino terror groups' operations area

Filipino government troops spot four gunmen who later scamper in different directions.

MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR: The Philippine army seized assorted firearms and ammunition abandoned by gunmen in the southern province of Maguindanao del Sur where local terror groups including those aligned with IS were operating.

Troops of the 90th Infantry Battalion recovered the weapons during a clearing operation in Galakit village, Pagalungan municipality, on Thursday (May 18), the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said in a statement Sunday (May 21).

Soldiers were alerted to the sound of three rounds of gunfire believed to be from an M16 rifle coming from the direction of Sitio Gorreon in the same village. 

Troops immediately coordinated with the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company and Pagalungan Municipal Police Station (MPS) to send troops on a foot patrol to investigate the incident. 

“While conducting patrol, soldiers noticed four armed individuals which prompted them to conceal behind trees and take a vantage position,” said Westmincom. 

“Upon confirmation of the presence of armed individuals, troops tactically crawled toward their location. However, the targets sensed the approaching forces and scampered in different directions.” 

The troops scoured the area and recovered one M16 rifle, one M14 rifle, two cal. 45 pistols and assorted magazines and ammunition. 

The recovered firearms, ammunition and other items were turned over to Pagalungan MPS for disposition and case build-up. 

Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, the  Westmincom commander, attributed the positive results of the operations to the continued support of the populace, local government units and other stakeholders.

“With our shared commitment to maintain peace, we are sure to win over any kinds of threat that hinder communities to be peaceful and progressive,” Galido said. 

Maguindanao del Sur is one of the areas of operation of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and Dawlah Islamiyah terror groups as well as the al-Khobar extortion group.