2 gang members killed, 1 nabbed in Maguindanao

COTABATO CITY – Two members of a criminal gang involved in extortion and robbery were killed while another gunman was arrested following a firefight with soldiers and policemen in Gen. Salipada Pendatun town in Maguindanao, an Army official said Friday.

Lt. Colonel Ricky Bunayog, commander of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion, said they also managed to recover assorted high powered guns, including a cal. 50 Barret sniper’s rifle, from the gang’s lair in Barangay Makaines but the gang leader, Mayogantong Bansil Sr., managed to escape.

He did not identify the slain gunmen but added that arrested was Mayogantong Ryan Jr., son of the gang leader.

Bunayog said two soldiers were also injured.

He said the firefight started when joint police and Army elements raided Bansil’s lair on Thursday, based on warrants issued by Judge Melenio Guerrero of the Regional Trial Court Tacurong City.

Bunayog said as the raiding team was approaching the area, they were fired at by Bansil and his men. JE/rga