COTABATO CITY – The joint forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines 602nd Infantry Brigade and elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Central Mindanao Front to the Provincial Police Office of Cotabato continue to devastate the rebel group led by Samad Masgal alias Commander Madrox.
During an intense operation from October 5 to 13 in the areas of Nabalawag, Kapinpilan, and Kadingilan in Midsayap, North Cotabato, 13 members of the dreaded group who have outstanding warrants of arrest were captured namely Ali Masgal Buat; Guiamalodin Kalay Palakad; Guiama Milikano y Masgal; Mandag Mamalinta; Nandi Pagao; Taokie Habip Lumilis; Kenny Gumbila Dima; Ronnie Ferrer Catulogn; Morem Masgal Milicano; Omar Masgal Angking; Sari Alim Lumilis; Mantoa Amal Gombila, and Tiyabong Mamalinta.
Also recovered during the operation were two grenade launchers; two M16 rifles; an M14 rifle; a homemade shotgun; a .30-caliber Garan rifle; a homemade .50-caliber sniper rifle; one rocket propelled grenade launcher ammunition; and two fragmention grenades alongside a handful of short firearms. A number of shabu-containing heat-sealed sachet packs as well as other drug paraphernalia were also recovered during the operation.
AFP 6th Infantry Division Commander Major General Carlito Galvez, Jr., for his part, commented that the successful law enforcement operation also serves as another building block toward reaching a permanent peace with the Moro rebel groups.