3 young terrorists in Lanao Sur arrested

Three young members of a local Islamic State-linked group were arrested and yielded firearms to joint personnel of the Army’s 49th and 82th Infantry Battalions in Barangay Paridi, Piagapo town in Lanao del Sur at dawn on Wednesday.

Apprehended were Janla Tangolo, 20, Arapat Tangolo, 22, and Kamarudin Sultan, 20.

Firearms recovered by the military consisted of two M14 and Bushmaster 5.56 assault rifles, one caliber .38 pistol, magazines, ammunitions and bandoleers.

According to Brig. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., 103rd Infantry Brigade commander, “The apprehension of the local terrorist groups were attributed to the report of peace-loving and concerned civilians in our area of responsibility.”

“We are glad that after the Marawi Siege and series of encounters with local terrorist groups, we receive more report from the communities regarding enemies or armed group presence,” Brawner added.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, the 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, commended the efforts of the troops and concerned citizens.

“The report from the civilians or constituents is an evidence for their desire for a peaceful and secured communities,” Ancan said.

“We encourage others to be courageous, continuously trust our troops and report any local terrorist presence in order to sustain the gains of peace and development in
Western Mindanao,” he added.

Source: Manila Times