ILIGAN CITY -- Joint elements of the military and police apprehended eight lawless elements and seized drug paraphernalia during an operation in Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi on Wednesday, Aug. 24.
Troops from the Marine Battalion Landing Team 1 together with the personnel from Panglima Sugala Municipal Police Station acted on a report on sporadic fires at Sitio Upper Maalum, Barangay Magsaggaw, Panglima Sugala perpetrated by the group of a certain alias Akmad, a known drug pusher.
While approaching the area, the operating troops encountered an undetermined number of lawless elements. A brief exchange of gun fires ensued but lasted shortly as the lawless elements started to flee toward an unknown direction.
The pursuing authorities were able to arrest eight lawless personalities and confiscate various items.
Joint Task Force Tawi-tawi Commander Brig. Gen. Romeo Racadio identified the apprehended personalities as Sala Ahmad, Khyber Boca, Alsaib Sahirun, Hussin Tati Amihaji, Jan-Jan Tati Hussin, Temhar Muhadil Lensahan, Adzmal Kiram Mandih, and Jullymar Dao Aruyo.
Seized from them were one KG9 9mm pistol; one rifle grenade; 13 sachets of shabu with an estimated weight of one gram; five analog mobile phones; four smartphones; 155 Malaysian Ringgit; P6,634; personal belongings; assorted magazines and ammunition; documents; and drug paraphernalia.
The apprehended personalities and recovered pieces of evidence were turned over to Panglima Sugala Municipal Police Station for proper disposition and filing of appropriate charges.
Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command, commended the marine troops for their accomplishment.
“Through our collaborative efforts, we continue to reap positive results in our campaign against terrorism and criminalities", said Rosario.