PAGADIAN CITY – Law enforcement teams in Zamboanga Sibugay arrested on Wednesday afternoon three members of Barahama Alih Group notorious for kidnap-for-ransom activities and illegal drugs in the province.
Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, 44th Infantry Battalion commander, said combined police, soldiers and anti-drug agents arrested Nicanel Maningo, Benhazer Anduhol, and Solaiman Calon in anti-drug operations in Barangay Tenan, Ipil town on Wednesday.
Police recovered during the operation one caliber M-16 rifle, two handguns, explosives, ammunition, several sachets containing crystalline substance suspected to be shabu (crystal meth) weighing 1.5 kilos with an estimated street value of P10.2 million.
The three suspects remained in the custody of the Ipil police before the filing of charges in court.
“The neutralization of these lawless elements will significantly reduce the capability of this group in conducting kidnapping and other illegal activities. We will continue to go after them to ensure the safety and security of the people of Zamboanga Sibugay,” said Col. Bagnus Gaerlan, Jr., 102nd Infantry Brigade Commander who has operates in Zamboanga Sibugay province.