AUXILLIARY THREAT GROUP MEMBER KILLED IN LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS IN BGY SALIPYASIN, KABASALAN, ZSP

ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY, Army, April 6 – A member of an Auxiliary Threat Group (ATG) was killed in a joint law enforcement operation conducted by the troops of 17SFC, 6SFBn, 102nd Bde, and RSOG9, PNP at So Ulingan, Bgy Salipyasin, Kabasalan, ZSP on April 6, 2017 at around 1:30 PM.

The operation resulted to the death of Samuhong Ahod and the captured of a certain Akhmad Dapat. Both Ahod and Dapat are members of the ATG.

After a report from a concerned citizen in the said barangay about the presence of the ATG, The Philippine Army and PNP immediately responded with a joint law enforcement operation.

An exchange of gunfire ensued in the area when the law enforcer troops were fired upon by the ATG. After about five minutes of fire fight, the overpowered ATG withdrew to an unknown direction. A hot pursuit operation is being conducted to apprehend the ATG.

“Our ground troops, while upholding the rules of engagement, continue to strengthen the conduct of joint law enforcement operations in Zampelan area to contain lawless groups and pre-empt the conduct of atrocities in the province,” said BRIGADIER GENERAL ROLANDO JOSELITO D BAUTISTA AFP, Commander, 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, Philippine Army.

According to BGEN BAUTISTA, the cooperation of concerned constituents to report the presence of lawless elements in their area shows their trust and confidence to the Philippine Army and PNP.

“As protector of the state, we support the PNP in its efforts against criminality and lawlessness,” BGEN BAUTISTA said. (DPAO, 1st Tabak Division, PA)