Security forces on May 30 apprehended two armed lawless group leaders in a joint operation in North Cotabato.
“While combined elements of the military’s Joint Task Force Central and Pikit PNP [Philippine National Police] were approaching the targets’ area to serve arrest warrant against Montukan Bungay and Walo Bungay, they were fired upon by the targets who tried to elude arrest,” Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command, said in a press release.
Operating troops conducted a six-hour pursuit operation which resulted in the apprehension of the two lawless leaders.
They were cornered in a swampy area in Barangay Bualan, Pikit, North Cotabato, said 602nd Infantry Battalion Commander Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong.
Capulong added that the apprehended persons were two of the most wanted individuals in Region 12 who were issued warrants of arrest for two counts of robbery with homicide (no bail), frustrated murder, and murder (no bail).
Found in the two individuals’ possession were one Elisco M16A1 rifle, one Colt M16 rifle, one cal. 45 pistol with magazine and three live ammunition, 26 rounds of 5.56mm cartridge, 10 bandoliers, several parts of firearms, four cell phones, and personal belongings.
“The Kampilan Troopers will continue to support our partner agencies in the conduct of law enforcement operations in central Mindanao,” said Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Joint Task Force Central.
The arrested leaders as well as their seized belongings were brought to Cotabato Police Provincial Office in Amas, Kidapawan City for proper disposition, while operating troops are still in the area to neutralize the followers of the Bungay brothers.
“Our strong interagency collaboration bears positive results and we hope to sustain this to eventually disband all armed lawless groups that serve as [the] machinery of terror groups in our area of operation,” Vinluan said.
Since January 2021, a total of 123 lawless elements have been neutralized in central Mindanao –14 were killed, one surrendered, and 108 were apprehended. (WestMinCom) –jlo
