Western Mindanao Command commander Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr. on Thursday revealed that authorities arrested eight individuals carrying firearms and drug paraphernalia during a joint law enforcement operation in Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi on Wednesday.
Prior to the operation, the military and police received reports that a certain armed group led by alias “Akmad,” widely known as drug pusher, was initiating gunfire in Sitio Upper Maalum, Barangay Magsaggaw, Panglima Sugala.
Authorities immediately responded to the report and approached the concerned area when the operating troops encountered an undetermined number of lawless elements and after a gunfight ensued, the members of the armed group fled toward an unknown direction.
Brig. Gen. Romeo Racadio, commander of Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi identified the apprehended personalities 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 crystalline white substance believed to be Shabu with an estimated weight of one gram; five analog mobile phones; four smartphones; 155 Malaysian Ringgit; P6,634.00; personal belongings; assorted magazines and ammunition; documents; and drug paraphernalia.
The captured individuals were turned over to Sugala Municipal Police Station for filing of appropriate criminal charges while caught evidence will be subjected to proper disposition.