Army soldiers recovered 19 high-powered firearms from an abandoned house during a raid in Pahamuddin, Cotabato, on Monday, January 20. The operation, a collaborative effort involving local officials and traditional Moro elders, highlights the community’s growing resolve to counter armed threats.
Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, commander of the Armyโs 6th Infantry Division, revealed on Tuesday, January 21, that the armed group, believed to be remnants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Dawlah Islamiya, fled the scene in Barangay Lower Panagkalan before troops arrived.
“The group hastily abandoned their firearms and personal belongings as soldiers from the 34th Infantry Battalion, guided by barangay officials, closed in on their hideout,” the Army officer said.
The weapons cache, now secured at the 34th IB headquarters in Midsayap, includes M14 and M16 rifles as well as a .30 caliber Garand rifle.
Community Action Drives Success
The raid followed reports from villagers, including Muslim preachers, who had overheard armed men planning to extort money from merchants in Pahamuddin to fund their needs. Among the informants were former BIFF and Dawlah Islamiya members who have embraced a peaceful life, now thriving as farmers in the agricultural hubs of Pahamuddin and Midsayap.
Local leaders in both towns praised these reformed individuals for their bravery in assisting authorities. โTheir commitment to peace is evident in their willingness to ensure their communities remain safe from extremist elements,โ one official noted.
Pahamuddinโs Strategic Importance
Soldiers recovered 19 high-powered firearms from an abandoned house during a raid in Pahamuddin, Cotabato, on Monday, January 20. The operation highlights the community’s growing resolve to counter armed threats.
Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, revealed on Tuesday, January 21, that the armed group, believed to be remnants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Dawlah Islamiya, fled the scene in Barangay Lower Panagkalan before troops arrived. “The group hastily abandoned their firearms and personal belongings as soldiers from the 34th Infantry Battalion, guided by barangay officials, closed in on their hideout,” he shared.
The weapons cache, now secured at the 34th IB headquarters in Midsayap, includes M14 and M16 rifles as well as a .30 caliber Garand rifle.
Community Action Drives Success
The raid followed reports from villagers who had overheard armed men planning to extort money from merchants in Pahamuddin. Among the informants were former BIFF and Dawlah Islamiya members who have embraced a peaceful life, now thriving as farmers in the agricultural hubs of Pahamuddin and Midsayap.
Local leaders in both towns praised these reformed individuals for their bravery in assisting authorities. โTheir commitment to peace is evident in their willingness to ensure their communities remain safe from extremist elements,โ one official noted.
Pahamuddinโs Strategic Importance
Pahamuddin is one of the eight newly established predominantly Moro towns in Cotabato province. It falls under the jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro regional government. Its unique position makes it a vital area in the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and foster development in the Bangsamoro region.
The operation underscores the importance of local collaboration in addressing security threats.
The Army commander commended the villagers and officials who provided critical intelligence. “Their actions were instrumental in the swift and successful operation,” he said.
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Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.