CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao – Combined operatives under different combat units of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) neutralized two high-value targets (HVT) drug suspects for allegedly resisting arrest and for engaging lawmen during the conduct of law enforcement support operation in Sitio Calumpangan, Brgy Balacayon, Pigcawayan, North Cotabato on May 18, 2022.
Major General Juvymax Uy, Joint Task Force Central, and 6th ID Commander identified the slain suspects as Datu Romah Malang Mastura alias Mamako and Ebrahim Samama. Meanwhile, two of their other comrades were caught in the said operation. Apprehended personalities were identified as Guiahed Akmad Toting, 24 years old, and Ali Kamsa Guilay, 24 years old.
Government forces would have issued a warrant of arrest against the group of alias Ebs, an escapee during a jailbreak at Cotabato Police Provincial Office in 2017 when the suspects fled and resisted.
MGen. Uy disclosed that the said group was reported to be providing finances and arms and other logistics support to Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Dawlah Islamiya (DI) operating in the area. “The exchange of fire between the group of alias Ebs and government forces lasted for about five (5) minutes which resulted in the death of Mastura and Samama and the enemy withdrew towards the south direction. In this regard, government troops continue to pursue the fleeing suspects as they continue to conduct clearing operations in the area”, MGen. Uy, added.
During the conduct of clearing operations, the troops recovered various weapons, including two (2) Caliber 5.56mm M16 Rifles, one (1) 7.62mm M14 Rifle, and two (2) Caliber .45 Pistols, and assorted war materiel. Furthermore, PDEA, PNP, and Army elements apprehended drug suspects and recovered six (6) pieces medium size heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu with more or less 30 grams and other drugs paraphernalia.
“JTFC will continue to support other law enforcement agencies to curb lawlessness and criminalities in our Area of Responsibility”, MGen. Uy said, as he underlined that the peace and security of the communities in South and Central Mindanao are the Command’s foremost responsibility hence, the Kampilan troops are always ready to do their job and with passion.
