By Edwin Fernandez | Philippine News Agency
Government forces on Sunday confiscated high-powered firearms from a civilian while serving a warrant of arrest against a murder suspect in the Special Geographic Area of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (SGA-BARMM).
The Special Security Task Group in SGA-BARMM, composed of police and military personnel, arrested “Kaka Ali,” a resident of Barangay Manaulanan, Tugunan, during the operation.
Ali, the subject of the warrant, was found in possession of a rifle. Further investigation led to the discovery of additional firearms at his residence.
Authorities seized one M16 rifle, an M14 rifle, a .45-caliber pistol, two homemade sniper rifles, a homemade grenade launcher, a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG), and assorted ammunition.
Meanwhile, military forces in Maguindanao del Sur foiled a bombing attempt on Dec. 27 with the discovery of an improvised explosive device (IED) in Barangay Iginagampong, Datu Unsay town.
Lt. Col. Rowel Gavilanes, commander of the Philippine Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion, said civilians alerted the military about the IED, prompting an immediate response.
Bomb experts dispatched to the area confirmed the report and safely deactivated the device, which consisted of a live RPG, an M61 hand grenade, and a timer.
“This successful operation highlights the importance of civilian cooperation in ensuring community safety,” Gavilanes said.
Barangay Iginagampong was previously a hideout of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), known for its violent activities in the region.