ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Armed Forces Western Min-danao Command on Friday announced the arrest of four alleged members of the Islamic State-inspired Maute Group in Lanao del Sur.
Major Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Westmincom chief, identified the suspects as Pao Panganga, alias “Pao Faizal”; Alex Areg Bagul, Alisata Tumao Maute, and Saadra Macapanton Madayan.
Galvez said the suspects were arrested in separate law enforcement operations conducted by the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan at around 3 a.m. Thursday in Piagapo and Saguiran, Lanao del Sur.
Recovered from the suspects were an improvised bomb, three high-powered firearms, a pistol, and illegal drugs paraphernalia.
Galvez said the suspects are wanted for their alleged involvement in kidnapping, killings, carjacking, extortion, and illegal drugs trade in Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte.
He said the suspects were also responsible for the killing last year of Supt. Abner Wahab Santos, the former Marawi City police director.
He said Panganga was involved in the series of kidnappings in Marawi City such as the abduction of Mindanao State University employee Omira Lotao last March 5.
“This remarkable law enforcement operation typifies the degree of intelligence gathering, information sharing, and precise planning and execution by different AFP and PNP units under JTF ZamPelan commander Maj. Gen. Gerardo Barrientos,” Galvez said.
He added the help from local government units and civilians is also crucial for the success of operations against criminals. (PNA, Nonoy E. Lacson, and Francis T. Wakefield)
