9 high-powered firearms recovered in Maguindanao del Sur

GOVERNMENT troops recovered nine high-powered firearms from a group of armed men in Sultan sa Barongis town in Maguindanao del Sur last Sunday, the military reported.

Troops from the Army’s 1st Mechanized Battalion were deployed to Sitio Madanding in Barangay Angkayamat in Sultan sa Barongis town last Sunday morning after information was received about the presence of a group of armed men.

“The suspects left behind the firearms after they sensed the arrival of the soldiers,” said Lt. Col. Robert Betita, commander of the 1st Mechanized Battalion.

Apart from the firearms, also recovered were magazines, assorted ammunition, three bandoliers, four sling bags, 12 identification cards, and an automated teller machine card.

Betita said pursuit operations are ongoing against the fleeing suspects.

Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the military will sustain its campaign against loose firearms.

Nafarrete commended the troops involved in the successful operation, noting that the seizure of the firearms would help in attaining peace in the province.