COTABATO CITY: Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Basilan responded to an indiscriminate firing incident some three days ago before the election in Barangay Bohe Suyak, Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan Province, the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) spokesman Maj. Andrew Linao said on Tuesday.
Linao told The Manila Times as he quoted Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, commander of JTF Basilan, said combined elements of the 64th Infantry Battalion and 5th Scout Ranger Battalion conducted a pursuit operation in the said village after hearing a series of gunfire. Sensing the approaching military vehicle, the suspect identified as Amil Palu immediately fled, leaving his firearm behind.
Operating troops recovered one M16 rifle and eight short magazines loaded with 142 rounds of ammunition in the incident site, where the suspect also resides. Recovered war materials were brought to the headquarters of the 101st Infantry Brigade/JTF Basilan, Barangay Tabiawan, Isabela City, Basilan for proper disposition.
Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., WestMinCom commander, commended the troops of JTF Basilan for the quick response to the incident.
“Our troops are in full alert status to prevent the malefactors from creating havoc in the communities. This incident is an isolated case and we will conduct a thorough investigation regarding this together with our partners from the PNP,” Rosario said. JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL
