Government forces apprehended three lawless elements in a joint operation at Purok Pang-Pang, Barangay Bangkaw-Bangkaw, Naga town, Zamboanga Sibugay Province.

According to Joint Task Force ZamPeLan Commander, Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, joint elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, PNP Special Action Action Force, and Naga Municipal Police Station, backed by troops from the 44th Infantry Battalion conducted a joint law enforcement operation by virtue of the search warrant numbers 13, 14, and 15-2023 dated March 15, 2023.

It is with regards to the violation of Republic Act 10591 or the comprehensive law on firearms and ammunition.

The operation resulted in the apprehension of Sherham Timbang Alsree, a.k.a. Samundo, 33; Karhi Timbang Alsree, 28; and Alih Jaji Alsree, 20, all residents of Bangkaw-Bangkaw.

The apprehended personalities were the primary suspects in the killing of Bangkaw-Bangkaw Barangay Chairman Abubakar Abdurahim Nieto, a.k.a. Bakang, and his son on July 4, 2021.

Seized from them were one M16 rifle, four cal. 45 pistols, several assorted ammunition, magazines, two hand grenades, three holsters for cal. 45 pistol, four sling bags, and one bandolier.

102nd Infantry Brigade Commander, Col. Elmer Suderio said that the arrested personalities and confiscated pieces of evidence were brought to CIDG ZSPPFU for documentation, temporary detention, and filing of appropriate charges.

Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, Commander of Western Mindanao Command, attributed this success to the collaborative efforts of the security forces and the support from the communities. “This accomplishment concretizes our effective implementation of the whole-of-nation in our area of operation. Rest assured that we will maintain our good relationship with our partners and stakeholders as we continue to work for peace and development here in Mindanao.”

Catherine R. Cueto